Greetings, troop! Welcome back to Talking Apes Season 3. We're kicking off 2024 with a thought-provoking episode featuring Kathayoon Khalil, conservation psychologist and education professional with a rich background spanning zoos, aquariums, museums, and nature centers.This week, our chat explores:The Power of Empathy  – How it shapes our attitudes towards animals and influences our actions. Kathayoon helps us understand how empathy can be a dynamic tool for positive conservation action. Anthropomorphism Pros and Cons - We navigate the tricky terrain of storytelling, discussing the dangers of anthropomorphism and how narratives can drive empathy for some animals while alienating others.Decolonizing Conservation - Emphasizing the importance of diverse cultural voices and economic considerations, Kathayoon advocates for a holistic approach to conservation.Individual Action - Kathayoon asserts that the collective environmental movement can only be driven by individual action - we can all take responsible steps toward reducing our carbon footprints. Explore Further:The AZA's Educational Research and Evaluation InitiativeProject Dragonfly at Miami University of OhioOregon Fish and Wildlife CommissionYour actions matter! Tune in now to learn more about conservation action! Support the showTalking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO. Official website: talkingapes.orgInstagram: @talkingapes_podcastTwitter: @talking_apes BUY OUR MERCH