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PhD Dissertation Defense - Environmental Science & Policy

Nov 11, 2022, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Virtual on Zoom

PhD Dissertation
Department of Environmental Science and Policy
College of Science
George Mason University

Candidate: Anne Safiya Clay
Defense Date and Time: November 11, 2022, at 10:00 AM
Defense Location: Zoom
Title: Compassion on the Ark: Analyzing Discourses on the Relationship between Individual Animal Welfare and Species Conservation in Zoos

Dissertation Director: Dr. Younsung Kim
Committee: Dr. Ingrid Visseren-Hamakers, Dr. Susan Crate, Dr. Ben Minteer

ABSTRACT

In compassionate conservation, animal welfare and conservation work together to minimize suffering and maximize conservation outcomes. Modern zoos place equal emphasis on conservation and animal welfare. However, discrepancies occur when the interests of individual animals' conflict with goals to preserve collectives. Through a discourse analysis of interviews with actors in conservation, animal welfare, and animal rights in South Korea, France, and the USA, this dissertation shows that zoos increasingly value individual animal interests when establishing welfare practices. Yet, they face practical problems in reconciling the implementation of these ideals in captivity. This dissertation also shows the global reach of these discourses.

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