Lives and Lessons of Zoo Animals

Author

Nicole Emlen

Graduation Year

2025

Graduation Month

May

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

School or Department

Biological Sciences, Division of

Major

Biology

Faculty Mentor Department

Division of Biological Sciences

Faculty Mentor

Creagh Breuner

Faculty Reader(s)

Creagh Breuner, Jordan Costello

Keywords

Zoo, animal, photography, rescue, conservation, education

Subject Categories

Interactive Arts | Interdisciplinary Arts and Media | Photography | Science and Mathematics Education | Zoology

Abstract

This project was an interdisciplinary museum exhibit that was displayed at the Montana Natural History Center between April 4 and May 12, 2025. It displays my photographs that I took of some of the animals I worked with during my summer 2024 internship at ZooMontana. In this project, I educate the public about three main functions of zoos--rescue, conservation, and education--through the stories and lives of four species. These animals all have unique stories that are important to share to improve public knowledge of why zoos are important and how we can improve relationships between humans and wildlife. Photography is how I share my perspective and the stories of these animals, and these photographs are intended to inspire awe, curiosity, and respect for wild animals.

Honors College Research Project

1

GLI Capstone Project

no

Recommended Citation

Emlen, Nicole, "Lives and Lessons of Zoo Animals" (2025). Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts. 541.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/utpp/541