Can a zoo change how we feel about nature?
About this Event
How do zoos help people protect, value and love nature, and how could they do it even better?
Come join the team from Edinburgh Zoo to explore how they use the science of nature connectedness, the evidence showing that feeling connected to nature can improve wellbeing while inspiring people to care for wildlife and the environment.
This interactive three-hour workshop combines a short talk, discussions about conservation science, guided exploration around the zoo and creative group activities. Young people and families will work alongside researchers to investigate what helps visitors feel connected to animals and nature.
Together, participants will design new ideas for experiences, activities, or communication that could inspire future zoo visitors. By the end of the session, each group will have created and shared a prototype, such as an activity, interpretation idea, campaign, or visitor experience that could help strengthen the connection between people and nature.
No scientific background is needed, just curiosity, creativity and a willingness to explore.
This event will take place at Edinburgh Zoo.
Important points to note
- This event is suitable for age 16+
- Event format: This event is a workshop and may involve some audience interaction. This could involve group activities, individual activities, quizzes or hands-on activities. The event will involve some walking and group work.
- Filming: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed.
SPEAKER
Beccy Angus
Head of Discovery and Learning
Beccy leads the RZSS Discovery and Learning team at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and works to connect people with each other and nature in meaningful, inclusive ways. She has more than 20 years of experience in public engagement, learning and interpretation throughout heritage focussing on nature connectedness and impact measurement.
Beccy sits on the board or the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the habitat restoration charity Bright Green Nature. She is the chair of the BIAZA Conservation Education Committee and is the vice chair of the EAZA Conservation Education Committee. More than anything, Beccy understands how important and valuable communication, meaningful engagement and stories are for connecting, making relevant and educating people about science, wildlife and global conservation.
COLLABORATOR
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.
Their mission is to save wildlife and empower people in Scotland and around the world to protect, value and love nature. But they cannot achieve this alone; their vision needs an inspired and empowered worldwide community to join together and help them to achieve their pledges.
About the Curious festival
The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 5 − Sunday 13 September 2026!
Curious is Scotland’s annual festival of knowledge. Across its seven-year history, Curious has welcomed over 10,000 attendees into its yearly programme of talks, workshops, discussions and exhibitions – all covering different topics and subject areas. There’s no need for you to have any prior specialist knowledge before coming along, just bring your curious self! With plenty of events both in person and online, you can take part from anywhere.
You can check out the full programme of events here.
Accessibility
We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact [email protected]. Accessibility information for the Edinburgh Zoo can be found on their website.
- The zoo is built on a steep hillside. Many of the paths around the zoo can be accessed by wheelchair. Due to the hilly nature of our location, some routes involve steps or steep slopes which are unsuitable for wheelchairs. Please download a copy of their accessibility map, which highlights these areas and will be useful for planning your visit before you arrive.
Privacy Policy
Please note that any personal data that is submitted to the RSE will be stored and processed in accordance with the RSE’s Privacy Policy. We will only use mobile numbers provided to contact you in the event of a cancellation.
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Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
