As a place of strict hierarchies and unyielding competition, the Academic Zoo had reached a breaking point. The animals, weary and divided, started to question the system that had shaped their lives. Inspired by the crane’s wisdom, the elephant’s nurturing nature, and the snail’s and tortoise’s steady pace, they came together to envision something new.
The old zoo, with its towering cages and narrow pathways managed by the zookeepers, was dismantled. In its place emerged a thriving ecosystem where every animal could contribute according to its strengths. The lion’s roar was no longer the sole voice of authority; instead, the frogs’ chorus, the nightingale’s soft melody, and the spider’s intricate web were celebrated equally.
The zoo became a space for connection and collaboration. The glass aviary was replaced by open skies where every bird could soar. The monkeys’ maze was transformed into a learning forest, complete with maps and guides to ensure no one was left behind. The beavers built bridges connecting previously isolated habitats, and the fire ants created networks of mutual support.
Care and rest became central values. The kangaroos’ caregiving work, once invisible, was now honoured and supported by the entire community. The elephants created a garden of rest, where animals could gather to reflect, recharge, and find balance. The animals embraced intersectionality, learning from chameleons and frogs how to see the world through multiple lenses. The peacock’s dazzling display gave way to the slow, steady brilliance of the snail’s trail, proving that true progress came from persistence and depth, not superficial sparkle.
Through collective effort, the Academic Zoo became a thriving community where mentorship replaced gatekeeping and innovation blossomed in every corner. The owls, no longer hoarding their wisdom, taught the younger animals, while the cranes and finches worked together to solve problems, combining mature experience with fresh perspectives.
At the heart of the zoo stood a library woven from the spider’s web, a symbol of interconnectedness. Every story, every discovery, every voice found its place here, reminding the animals of their shared purpose: to build a legacy of knowledge for the benefit of humankind through care, collaboration, and inclusion.
Moral of our story: the reimagined Academic Zoo illustrates that lasting transformation comes not just from dismantling but from rebuilding with intention. By valuing every voice and embracing feminist principles of care, equity, and intersectionality, the animals fostered a thriving, sustainable community—one where everyone could grow and contribute to a brighter future.
Christa & Anne-Wil
