Alternative Facts and Alternative Views: Scientists, Managers, and Animal Rights Activists

Abstract

Animal rights advocates and conservationists are often at odds, despite sharing important core values. We summarize previous work in this area and then review and update several examples of such conflicts, as well as a small number of cases of de facto cooperation resulting in positive outcomes for both groups. Particular attention is given to views of keeping animals captive in zoos and aquariums and to the treatment of feral cats as part of the debate over invasive species. We then summarize recent advances in both the philosophy of animal rights, in particular ecofeminism and from political theory, and the fields of conservation and environmental management. Our final section provides an analysis of the communication strategies used by both groups. We conclude that underlying such disagreements are not only philosophical differences but also self-selected access to divergent sources of information and interpretation. Limiting exposure to alternative views can strengthen group identity and increase conflict. As in other cases, modern media is particularly suitable for extreme views, penalizing moderate voices and attempts at communication and collaboration. However, adoption of insights from research into modern media can also lead to better communication across the persistent divide between scientists, managers, and animal rights advocates.