On today’s episode, Patricia Steinmeyer talks to Oliver from Unified Purpose about the powerful role Brookfield Zoo Chicago plays in connecting children, teachers, and communities to wildlife and conservation. Patricia shares her journey from law school to education, her passion for supporting teachers through the Teaching Safari program, and how the zoo extends far beyond its walls as a living mission for conservation. Together, they explore how joy, curiosity, and hands-on learning can inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.
Here are three things you’ll learn in this episode:
How Brookfield Zoo’s Teaching Safari program empowers teachers to connect students with wildlife and conservation science.
Patricia explains how this free program, supported by foundations and grants, offers teachers graduate credit or professional development hours. By giving educators tools, resources, and strategies, the zoo helps them engage hundreds—sometimes thousands—of students in classrooms with conservation-focused lessons.
Why joyful, hands-on learning experiences with animals can inspire lifelong care and curiosity for nature.
From feeding giraffes and goats to observing polar bears and pangolins, Patricia shares how firsthand animal encounters spark questions, wonder, and empathy. These experiences build connections that can lead children to value wildlife, care about conservation, and even pursue careers protecting animals.
The innovative ways Brookfield Zoo is shaping the future of animal welfare, education, and global conservation partnerships.
Patricia highlights the zoo’s century plan, new exhibits like the Bramsen Tropical Forest habitat for primates, and global projects such as pangolin conservation, Mexican wolf recovery, and Humboldt penguin protection. These initiatives show how Brookfield Zoo is expanding its role as both a classroom and a conservation leader worldwide.
About Patsy Steinmeyer and Brookfield Zoo Chicago:
- Website: https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/ :https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/EducatorPrograms :https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/LearningResources
- Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/psteinmeyer/