The Institute for Critical Zoologists strives to foster a critical perspective on the way humans observe and interact with animals. Although urban societies are relatively disconnected from animals, our fascination with and examination of them have grown significantly in the past century. Undoubtedly, observing animals holds both allure and enjoyment within societies. Animals convey culturally specific meanings and values, and our perception of them is inextricably tied to the cultural backdrop, political environment, and societal principles in which we view them.
The relationship between humans and animals has deteriorated to a troubling state. Animals are subjected to heightened visual exploitation (with over a thousand zoos globally and double the number of natural history museums). Additionally, animals are commodified (for instance, trading tiger parts for commercial purposes in China), not to mention the environmental, ecological, and cultural threats posed by zoos, animal performances, animal agriculture, poaching, economically driven conservation biology, exhibits in natural history museums, and animal-related memorabilia—areas where human anthropomorphism plays a crucial role.
ICZ aims to cultivate a Critical Zoological Gaze that engages in innovative interdisciplinary research, encompassing often neglected perspectives within animal studies, such as aesthetics. Our goal is to advance unconventional—even radical—approaches to comprehending the relationship between humans and animals. The institute also discourages the tendency to anthropomorphize animals when appreciating and studying zoology.
