
An Interconnected Approach to Animal, Peoples, and Planetary Wellbeing in the Care and Conservation Field
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Listen to this episode: Duration: 65 min.
Quick Overview
This episode features Sabrina Brando discussing the vital link between animal and human wellbeing in professional animal care and conservation-related professions. We talk about the importance of supporting both human and animal welfare across animal facilities and supporting those who work in education and other purpose-driven professions. We reflect on what it means to “treat all living beings with respect and consideration”, including in zoos, aquariums, and sanctuaries, and their roles in urban spaces today. The conversation explores the role of education, research, and conservation in advancing animal wellbeing and conservation and how the Earth Charter offers a guiding framework for ethical and sustainable practices for zoos, aquariums, and animal sanctuaries. Sabrina also shares insights from her doctoral research on employee wellbeing in zoos and aquariums and the importance of self-care and fostering a culture of care within organizations. Additionally, she highlights the work AnimalConcepts is doing to integrate the Earth Charter into zoos, aquariums, animal sanctuaries and academia worldwide.
Questions and Topics Addressed in this Episode
- Can you share a personal story that illustrates a strong bond between humans and animals? How did this connection positively impact the well-being of both the animal and the human involved?
- Can you tell us about your work with AnimalConcept? How does the organization contribute to improving well-being of peoples, other animals, and planet?
- What is your understanding on the interconnectedness of all life? – In what ways has the Earth Charter informed your work and understanding of this interconnectedness? – How do you think the Earth Charter could be integrated into zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and other organisations dedicated to animal wellbeing and conservation?
- Can you tell us about your doctoral research? What are the key questions you explored, and what were some of your most significant findings?
- What should be the main purpose of zoos?
- What are the ecological and social impacts of zoos, and how can they be mitigated or improved?
- What does it mean to treat all living beings with respect and consideration? How can we apply this respect in the way we care for animals, whether they’re pets or wildlife?
- Can you talk about your work and the importance of education in animal wellbeing and conservation related professions?
Sabrina Brando

An Interconnected Approach to Animal, Peoples, and Planetary Wellbeing in the Care and Conservation Field
Who is Sabrina Brando?
Sabrina Brando is the director of AnimalConcepts, including INTERBEING, an interconnected online platform uniting people and organisations on 6 continents, combining animal, people, and planetary wellbeing. She has an MSc in Animal Studies and is pursuing a PhD at the University of Stirling in Scotland on human wellbeing and human-animal interconnectedness, focusing on human wellbeing at an individual, team, leadership, and organisational level. Sabrina is a graduate of the Inner MBA class of 2022 and is a psychologist and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional. Sabrina teaches at various universities and colleges and works with many zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and other facilities worldwide on animal wellbeing, behaviour, environmental enrichment, animal training, habitat design, and the human-animal relationship. She is the author of a book on ‘Optimal Welfare of Ageing Wild Animals in Human Care’ by Springer Nature (Brando & Chapman, 2023).
This podcast is developed by Earth Charter International as part of our work as UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development with the Earth Charter.
