#209 John Kinder on World War Zoos and Propaganda

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During this episode, John Kinder discusses his new book: World War Zoos: Humans and Other Animals in the Deadliest Conflict of the Modern Age. This discussion focused on the historical use of animals in international diplomacy and wartime propaganda. Pandas, initially unknown outside China, became popular after being brought to the US in the 1930s. They were used as symbols of friendship and diplomatic gestures between countries. During World War II, zoos and animals played a significant role in propaganda efforts. The evacuation of a panda from the London Zoo boosted morale, while in the United States staged photographs of animals performing patriotic tasks were used to inspire support for the war. In contrast, the Tokyo Zoo euthanized animals to demonstrate sacrifice, and the Soviet Union's efforts to keep animals alive during the siege of Leningrad symbolized resistance. John highlights how different countries utilized animals in zoos during wartime, reflecting their varying approaches to propaganda and morale-boosting.

Recording Date: 19 Nov 2024

Research Question: John Kinder suggests an interested student or researcher examine

• What roles can zoos play in 21st century conservation efforts? What are zoos’ limitations?
• How do we limit the suffering of zoo animals caught up in contemporary military conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza?
• To what extent do contemporary governments continue to use institutions like zoos to leverage their power and influence on the global stage?
• For the longest time, Americans have tended to view World War II as the “Good War”? Is that changing? Should we criticize World War II’s reputation, in historian Michael C. C. Adams’ words, as the “best war ever”?
• Increasingly, scholars argue that we need to seek out “multispecies” solutions (involving humans, animals, plants, bacteria, fungi, etc.) to solve 21st century problems such as climate change. Do you think that’s the case? How might multispecies perspectives help us see the world—and its problems—in new ways?
• War is not the only danger facing zoo animals. In recent years, zoo animals have died in floods, wildfires, earthquakes, droughts, famines, and periods of social, economic, and political unrest. How does society manufacture “vulnerability,” and what are some of the ways we can ensure that the most vulnerable—human and animal—don’t bear the brunt of disasters?

Resources:

• John Kinder Oklahoma State University
• World War Zoos: Humans and Other Animals in the Deadliest Conflict of the Modern Age by John M. Kinder
• Paying with Their Bodies: American War and the Problem of the Disabled Veteran by John M. Kinder
• Panda Diplomacy
• Ping-pong diplomacy
• Whipsnade Zoo near London
• Haus des Meeres zoo/aquarium in Vienna Austria

Link to full show notes and resources

Guest Bio: John M. Kinder is director of American Studies and professor of history at Oklahoma State University. He is the author of Paying with Their Bodies: American War and the Problem of the Disabled Veteran, published by the University of Chicago Press, and coeditor of Service Denied: Marginalized Veterans in Modern American History.

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