Simon Pooley
@s-pooley.bsky.social
Lambert Reader in human-wildlife coexistence. Into crocodiles, wetlands, okapi, wildfires, guitar music, diversity & just getting along.
My response to a comment on my diversity article "#Conservation and #Coexistence at a Crossroads" is now available as early view in Conservation Biology, here:
conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15231739...
conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15231739...
November 19, 2025 at 12:34 PM
My response to a comment on my diversity article "#Conservation and #Coexistence at a Crossroads" is now available as early view in Conservation Biology, here:
conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15231739...
conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15231739...
Well my Discovering the #Okapi talk is already available - my thanks to @animalhistories.bsky.social and @sochistnathist.bsky.social - you can watch my talk here: youtu.be/Hx1Z2XiETA4?...
Discovering the Okapi
YouTube video by Society for the History of Natural History
youtu.be
November 18, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Well my Discovering the #Okapi talk is already available - my thanks to @animalhistories.bsky.social and @sochistnathist.bsky.social - you can watch my talk here: youtu.be/Hx1Z2XiETA4?...
Enjoyed discussing my new #okapi book in an online seminar for Animal History Group last week. It was recorded and will at some point be be hosted by @sochistnathist.bsky.social. #animalhistory
November 18, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Enjoyed discussing my new #okapi book in an online seminar for Animal History Group last week. It was recorded and will at some point be be hosted by @sochistnathist.bsky.social. #animalhistory
Discovering the Okapi ( @hopkinspress.bsky.social) is published today. Drop in online tomorrow to learn about the discovery, collection, study, exhibition & keeping of #okapi, their biology & behaviour, conservation, and what was learned from indigenous peoples. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ahg-semina...
AHG Seminar - 12 November: Book Talk - Discovering the Okapi
Join us for our monthly seminar series.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Discovering the Okapi ( @hopkinspress.bsky.social) is published today. Drop in online tomorrow to learn about the discovery, collection, study, exhibition & keeping of #okapi, their biology & behaviour, conservation, and what was learned from indigenous peoples. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ahg-semina...
A curious thing I share about #okapi is their long history with the U.S., esp. New York: @amnh.org, Bronx Zoo, @wcs.org. Deals w Belgian Congo, Lang's Congo trip, Gilman's philanthropy, #Warhol & Anne Eisner Putnam's art, & Madison Square Gdns where Mr G, the only circus okapi, died. Book out today
November 11, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Rare sight on the Thames near me, darters chasing a shoal of fish
November 8, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Rare sight on the Thames near me, darters chasing a shoal of fish
These leaves stickered and starred the dull autumn Thames today. Greenish-yellow ash, yellow sycamore with pink-red stems, field maple & white poplar, their undersides startlingly white.
November 3, 2025 at 6:21 PM
These leaves stickered and starred the dull autumn Thames today. Greenish-yellow ash, yellow sycamore with pink-red stems, field maple & white poplar, their undersides startlingly white.
I enjoyed giving this talk at ZSL last week, for Black History Month. Looking forward to my Animal History Group talk on 12 November, which will focus on another major theme in my book. In other good news, I have just heard from Johns Hopkins UP that there is going to be an audiobook.
November 3, 2025 at 5:19 PM
I enjoyed giving this talk at ZSL last week, for Black History Month. Looking forward to my Animal History Group talk on 12 November, which will focus on another major theme in my book. In other good news, I have just heard from Johns Hopkins UP that there is going to be an audiobook.
Reposted by Simon Pooley
PhD opportunity: Examining the role of public acceptance on the success of island restoration initiatives 🏝️🐀🤝 w. @rspb.bsky.social
* Project outline: e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/project?item...
* Deadline: Sunday 14th December 2025
* How to apply: e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/applications...
Happy to answer questions!
* Project outline: e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/project?item...
* Deadline: Sunday 14th December 2025
* How to apply: e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/applications...
Happy to answer questions!
October 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM
PhD opportunity: Examining the role of public acceptance on the success of island restoration initiatives 🏝️🐀🤝 w. @rspb.bsky.social
* Project outline: e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/project?item...
* Deadline: Sunday 14th December 2025
* How to apply: e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/applications...
Happy to answer questions!
* Project outline: e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/project?item...
* Deadline: Sunday 14th December 2025
* How to apply: e5-dtp.ed.ac.uk/applications...
Happy to answer questions!
Advance copies of Discovering the Okapi have arrived, meaning I've finally seen the back cover of my JHUP book, with the postcard my gradfather sent my mom when she was 10 years old. Very pleased with what JHUP have produced!
October 26, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Advance copies of Discovering the Okapi have arrived, meaning I've finally seen the back cover of my JHUP book, with the postcard my gradfather sent my mom when she was 10 years old. Very pleased with what JHUP have produced!
I look forward to launching my book at ZSL's Huxley Lecture Theatre on 2nd December. I'll discuss behind the scenes research, in addition to the key topics of my book. I will show images of key characters - human and okapi - from the book, and many in addition to those shown in the book.
October 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
I look forward to launching my book at ZSL's Huxley Lecture Theatre on 2nd December. I'll discuss behind the scenes research, in addition to the key topics of my book. I will show images of key characters - human and okapi - from the book, and many in addition to those shown in the book.
I will be giving an Animal History Group seminar on aspects of my forthcoming book Discovering the Okapi: Western Science, Indigenous Knowledge, and the Search for a Rainforest Enigma - online on 12 November at 8pm GMT.
Book for this free event here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ahg-semina...
Book for this free event here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ahg-semina...
AHG Seminar - 12 November: Book Talk - Discovering the Okapi
Join us for our monthly seminar series.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 6, 2025 at 6:32 AM
I will be giving an Animal History Group seminar on aspects of my forthcoming book Discovering the Okapi: Western Science, Indigenous Knowledge, and the Search for a Rainforest Enigma - online on 12 November at 8pm GMT.
Book for this free event here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ahg-semina...
Book for this free event here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ahg-semina...
Reposted by Simon Pooley
On the 12th of November 2025 @ 8pm (GMT/UTC +0) (note our clocks go back), Simon Pooley (@s-pooley.bsky.social) will be giving a book release talk on DISCOVERING THE OKAPI🦓📙
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ahg-semina...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ahg-semina...
AHG Seminar - 12 November: Book Talk - Discovering the Okapi
Join us for our monthly seminar series.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
September 25, 2025 at 7:44 AM
On the 12th of November 2025 @ 8pm (GMT/UTC +0) (note our clocks go back), Simon Pooley (@s-pooley.bsky.social) will be giving a book release talk on DISCOVERING THE OKAPI🦓📙
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ahg-semina...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ahg-semina...
I enjoyed participating in this #interdisciplinary podcast on #human-animal interactions, ethics, and research. Much to learn from this kind of interaction, here with Birkbeck colleagues Anna Richards (critical animal studies) and Sophia Connell (philosophy). Listen here youtu.be/GniKcOii0ws?...
Birkbeck Thinks: Exploring human-animal relations, ethics and research
YouTube video by Birkbeck, University of London
youtu.be
September 23, 2025 at 1:02 PM
I enjoyed participating in this #interdisciplinary podcast on #human-animal interactions, ethics, and research. Much to learn from this kind of interaction, here with Birkbeck colleagues Anna Richards (critical animal studies) and Sophia Connell (philosophy). Listen here youtu.be/GniKcOii0ws?...
It is great to get some critical responses to my okapi book. Both are from scholars I greatly respect.
I was nervous asking Jonathan Kingdon, as he is such an authority on African mammals - and has told me such interesting things about okapi!
I was nervous asking Jonathan Kingdon, as he is such an authority on African mammals - and has told me such interesting things about okapi!
July 9, 2025 at 9:10 PM
It is great to get some critical responses to my okapi book. Both are from scholars I greatly respect.
I was nervous asking Jonathan Kingdon, as he is such an authority on African mammals - and has told me such interesting things about okapi!
I was nervous asking Jonathan Kingdon, as he is such an authority on African mammals - and has told me such interesting things about okapi!
I'll be launching my book Discovering the Okapi at ZSL / London Zoo on December 2nd.
This fascinating animal went from being an international sensation, with 15 seconds of fame in the 1980s, to vanishing from public attention. I hope to win back attention for #okapi
This fascinating animal went from being an international sensation, with 15 seconds of fame in the 1980s, to vanishing from public attention. I hope to win back attention for #okapi
July 6, 2025 at 2:15 PM
I'll be launching my book Discovering the Okapi at ZSL / London Zoo on December 2nd.
This fascinating animal went from being an international sensation, with 15 seconds of fame in the 1980s, to vanishing from public attention. I hope to win back attention for #okapi
This fascinating animal went from being an international sensation, with 15 seconds of fame in the 1980s, to vanishing from public attention. I hope to win back attention for #okapi
Celebrating world giraffe day yesterday, it was good to learn from GCF that some are recovering, but worth remembering the baseline and how little of the original range survives.
Of course, their only living relative, the okapi, hangs on only in northeastern DRC.
Of course, their only living relative, the okapi, hangs on only in northeastern DRC.
June 22, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Celebrating world giraffe day yesterday, it was good to learn from GCF that some are recovering, but worth remembering the baseline and how little of the original range survives.
Of course, their only living relative, the okapi, hangs on only in northeastern DRC.
Of course, their only living relative, the okapi, hangs on only in northeastern DRC.
#Conservation beyond boundaries
Starts with my talk on the occupation of #Ndumo Game Reserve (05:30-13:20 mins), the long history of conservation in this region, revealing causes of a classic conservation conflict. Shows key challenges for PAs in S Africa, and beyond. youtu.be/iigNVcOctew?...
Starts with my talk on the occupation of #Ndumo Game Reserve (05:30-13:20 mins), the long history of conservation in this region, revealing causes of a classic conservation conflict. Shows key challenges for PAs in S Africa, and beyond. youtu.be/iigNVcOctew?...
Tipping Points 31 - Conservation beyond boundaries
YouTube video by Oppenheimer Generations Research & Conservation
youtu.be
June 3, 2025 at 8:39 AM
#Conservation beyond boundaries
Starts with my talk on the occupation of #Ndumo Game Reserve (05:30-13:20 mins), the long history of conservation in this region, revealing causes of a classic conservation conflict. Shows key challenges for PAs in S Africa, and beyond. youtu.be/iigNVcOctew?...
Starts with my talk on the occupation of #Ndumo Game Reserve (05:30-13:20 mins), the long history of conservation in this region, revealing causes of a classic conservation conflict. Shows key challenges for PAs in S Africa, and beyond. youtu.be/iigNVcOctew?...
Rainy day problem solved. What a beautiful book cover.
Wonderful clear writing on complex subjects, told with fascinating, emblematic case studies. Good stuff
@jackashby.bsky.social
Wonderful clear writing on complex subjects, told with fascinating, emblematic case studies. Good stuff
@jackashby.bsky.social
May 24, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Rainy day problem solved. What a beautiful book cover.
Wonderful clear writing on complex subjects, told with fascinating, emblematic case studies. Good stuff
@jackashby.bsky.social
Wonderful clear writing on complex subjects, told with fascinating, emblematic case studies. Good stuff
@jackashby.bsky.social
Join me at Birkbeck University of London, in Bloomsbury, on Friday 6 June to discuss the future of human-wildlife coexistence, whether with badgers or beavers in the UK, or crocs, big cats or elephants in Australia, the Americas, Asia or Africa.
Details and booking link here
lnkd.in/enJHamNz
Details and booking link here
lnkd.in/enJHamNz
May 21, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Join me at Birkbeck University of London, in Bloomsbury, on Friday 6 June to discuss the future of human-wildlife coexistence, whether with badgers or beavers in the UK, or crocs, big cats or elephants in Australia, the Americas, Asia or Africa.
Details and booking link here
lnkd.in/enJHamNz
Details and booking link here
lnkd.in/enJHamNz
This is such good news. I write about what happened to okapi at Epulu - since the early 20th century - and including the infamous attack and its aftermath in my book Discovering the Okapi, due out on November 11.
news.mongabay.com/2025/05/13-y...
news.mongabay.com/2025/05/13-y...
13 years after deadly attack, an okapi returns to Epulu in DRC reserve
In February 2025, rangers at Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in partnership with the Okapi Conservation Project, successfully brought an okapi to Epulu, site of the reserve...
news.mongabay.com
May 14, 2025 at 4:44 PM
This is such good news. I write about what happened to okapi at Epulu - since the early 20th century - and including the infamous attack and its aftermath in my book Discovering the Okapi, due out on November 11.
news.mongabay.com/2025/05/13-y...
news.mongabay.com/2025/05/13-y...
Interested in human-wildlife #coexistence? Want to discuss the challenges of realising a positive vision for #wildlife conservation? Join us in Bloomsbury, London, for a free public workshop I'm giving on June 6, during Birkbeck's Social Science Week
www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event...
www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event...
May 9, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Interested in human-wildlife #coexistence? Want to discuss the challenges of realising a positive vision for #wildlife conservation? Join us in Bloomsbury, London, for a free public workshop I'm giving on June 6, during Birkbeck's Social Science Week
www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event...
www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event...
Reposted by Simon Pooley
When it comes to certain parts of anatomy, #museums have been deliberately teaching people the wrong thing.
Most #mammals have a bone in their penis but natural history museums usually remove them from display, as I told @iflscience.com (& wrote in #NaturesMemory):
www.iflscience.com/where-have-a...
Most #mammals have a bone in their penis but natural history museums usually remove them from display, as I told @iflscience.com (& wrote in #NaturesMemory):
www.iflscience.com/where-have-a...
The Surprising (And Very Unscientific) Reason Why Penis Bones Are So Rare In Natural History Museums
#NotAllMuseums (but a lot of them) seem have to banished the penis bone. Why?
www.iflscience.com
May 5, 2025 at 1:22 PM
When it comes to certain parts of anatomy, #museums have been deliberately teaching people the wrong thing.
Most #mammals have a bone in their penis but natural history museums usually remove them from display, as I told @iflscience.com (& wrote in #NaturesMemory):
www.iflscience.com/where-have-a...
Most #mammals have a bone in their penis but natural history museums usually remove them from display, as I told @iflscience.com (& wrote in #NaturesMemory):
www.iflscience.com/where-have-a...
I had fun presenting my #okapi research at the
@nhm-london.bsky.social
cultures of collections showcase Isabel Davis last week. Hoping that some of their famous okapi remains may get exhibited again, even stories I've recorded in my book shared.
@nhm-london.bsky.social
cultures of collections showcase Isabel Davis last week. Hoping that some of their famous okapi remains may get exhibited again, even stories I've recorded in my book shared.
May 5, 2025 at 10:59 AM
I had fun presenting my #okapi research at the
@nhm-london.bsky.social
cultures of collections showcase Isabel Davis last week. Hoping that some of their famous okapi remains may get exhibited again, even stories I've recorded in my book shared.
@nhm-london.bsky.social
cultures of collections showcase Isabel Davis last week. Hoping that some of their famous okapi remains may get exhibited again, even stories I've recorded in my book shared.
First global #crocodiles attack prevention survey launched!
If you live or work in areas with croc attacks, especially if involved in attempts to prevent attacks, please complete this survey. #conservation
The link works on computers and mobile phones: ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/blvTJ6kg
If you live or work in areas with croc attacks, especially if involved in attempts to prevent attacks, please complete this survey. #conservation
The link works on computers and mobile phones: ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/blvTJ6kg
April 29, 2025 at 5:27 PM
First global #crocodiles attack prevention survey launched!
If you live or work in areas with croc attacks, especially if involved in attempts to prevent attacks, please complete this survey. #conservation
The link works on computers and mobile phones: ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/blvTJ6kg
If you live or work in areas with croc attacks, especially if involved in attempts to prevent attacks, please complete this survey. #conservation
The link works on computers and mobile phones: ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/blvTJ6kg