2. How often do you tell stories as part of
your work at the Zoo?
A. Rarely or Never (I love data. There, I
said it.)
B. Occasionally (I’m story-curious.)
C. Frequently (Sipped the Kool Aid.
nAlmost ready to drink.)
D. All the Time (Do I have to stay?)
30. It’s against my
religious beliefs.
Doctors won’t
work as hard to
save me.
Only rich people
will get my
organs.
I’m too old to be an
organ donor.
What are the
narratives against
organ donation?
40. Why is narrative so powerful?
How do you put storytelling
to work?
How do you tell a good story?
What kinds of stories should
you tell?
41. 2 minutes
Think about a time when there was
something you really wanted.
2 minutes
Tell a story about that time to the people
in your group in 2 minutes or fewer.
Start with the person seated closest to
12 noon. The person who will go last is
the timekeeper.
Storytelling Exercise
42. …open this envelope and follow
the instructions inside (and
please don’t leave the room.)
1st Storyteller: when everyone at your
table has told a story…
Storytelling Exercise
59. Story Highlights
• The habitat of Florida black bears has become
fragmented by development of new roads.
• About 10 of the bears now have collars sending text
messages of their positions.
• The information will help Florida landowners and
policy-makers make conservation decisions that help
bear habitat and people.
PROTAGONIST
BARRIER
BARRIER
BARRIER
RESOLUTION
GOAL!
INCITING
INCIDENT!
Until one day…
Story Structure
Story Structure: Journalistic vs. Dramatic Narrative
60. • Child psychologist shot by
former patient.
• Starts working with child who
sees dead people.
• Psychologist turns out to be
dead all along.
Story Highlights
Story Structure: Journalistic vs. Dramatic Narrative
66. I have participated in orangutan conservation for 13
years at the Houston Zoo. Through the conservation
partner that we have worked with in the past 13
years, we have been able to build a line of
communication to learn up to date information of the
status of the orangutan. With this information we can
educate the guest on how they can help locally, via
smart shopping , which results in helping our
ambassadors cousins in the wild.
Tammy Buhrmester
Primates Keeper
Pre-Workshop Assignment
67. While handling a grey rat snake, a zoo guest with a
phobia of snakes, was so fascinated by him that she
could not get close yet could not leave. By the end of
our visit, she was touching him and asking many
questions. I saw a transformation before my eyes and
felt I had made a difference.
Elva Melillo
Volunteer
Pre-Workshop Assignment
68. Damara mole rats have giant teeth evolved for
chomping tunnels through hard-packed earth so it’s
understandable that their keepers at most zoos take a
hands-off approach. Keepers at the Houston Zoo
devised a different method of handling that built trust
and led to better care, a closer look for guests, and
world-wide fame for Triscuit the mole-rat in Joel
Sartore’s Photo Ark.
Amanda Daly
Supervisor, Natural Encounters
Pre-Workshop Assignment
69. Jonathan the lion was an important part of the zoo
family for both staff and guests as his rescue story
spread awareness about the pet trade and the rescue
role zoos play. After he passed away, many young
guests made cards and signs for him and his keepers.
By helping guests feel a personal connection with an
individual animal, guests develop an appreciation and
a passion for their wild counterparts.
Alicia Andring
Elephant Keeper
Pre-Workshop Assignment
70. I had had potential donors out for a Zoo tour that tell
me that they do not fully support Zoos. Once I share
stories of how each of our animals connects to a
conservation project in the wild, they are thrilled to
hear that and typically join one of our donor clubs.
Brittany Mead
Development Manager
Pre-Workshop Assignment
73. To be accepted
The Wind
Meets Epuron
Everyone (or thing)
needs a purpose
His behavior upsets people
BARRIER
OVERCOMES BARRIER
MEANING
GOAL
PROTAGONIST
75. What did you like
about the story?
How can
we make it
better?
Sharing Stories
76. Why is narrative so powerful?
How do you put storytelling
to work?
How do you tell a good story?
What kinds of stories should
you tell?
77. How can you put storytelling to work?
• Keeper Talks
78. How can you put storytelling to work?
• Keeper Talks
• Guest
Interactions
79. How can you put storytelling to work?
• Keeper Talks
• Guest
Interactions
• Website
80. How can you put storytelling to work?
• Keeper Talks
• Guest
Interactions
• Website
81. How can you put storytelling to work?
• Keeper Talks
• Guest
Interactions
• Website
• Newsletter
82. How can you put storytelling to work?
• Keeper Talks
• Guest
Interactions
• Website
• Newsletter
• Presentations to
Donors
83. How can you put storytelling to work?
• Keeper Talks
• Guest
Interactions
• Website
• Newsletter
• Presentations to
Donors
• Story Bank
(January 2019)
84. How can you collect all these stories?
VANDERBILT
STORY BOOTH
85. How can you collect all these stories?
RYE YMCA STORY BOOTH
