Bark! Fest to Feature Leading Voices in Animal Welfare and Conservation

Virtual Event to Bridge Science and Public Understanding of Animal Lives and Canine Abilities

Bark! Fest, a renowned virtual book festival dedicated to animal lovers, is set to host an engaging panel featuring two distinguished authors: Marc Bekoff, PhD, and Alison Pearce Stevens. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, will delve into the complex inner lives of animals and highlight the extraordinary olfactory capabilities of dogs in conservation efforts. Hosted by experts Zazie Todd, PhD, and Kristi Benson, the festival aims to enrich public understanding and inspire compassionate action towards the animal kingdom.

The virtual gathering, accessible globally, will commence at 2 p.m. Pacific Time (5 p.m. Eastern, 10 p.m. UK time). Attendees are invited to register in advance to secure their participation in this unique educational opportunity. The panel promises to offer profound insights into recent scientific discoveries and their implications for human-animal relationships, appealing to both young and adult audiences interested in animal behavior, welfare, and environmental protection.

Exploring Animal Sentience with Marc Bekoff

Dr. Marc Bekoff, an acclaimed ethologist and professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, will present his latest work, Love In Their Hearts: A Celebration of Animal Emotions and a Guide to Compassionate Action. Co-authored with Jeff Campbell, this book extends an invitation to readers of all ages to explore the nuanced emotional landscapes of diverse animal species. Bekoff’s extensive research, spanning over three decades and resulting in more than 30 published books, has significantly advanced the field of cognitive ethology – the study of animal minds and emotions.

Love In Their Hearts blends rigorous scientific inquiry with compelling, true stories to illustrate the widespread evidence of emotions such as empathy, playfulness, curiosity, grief, anger, and love across the animal kingdom. From the complex social structures of dolphins and orangutans to the surprising emotional depths of octopuses and even bees, the book challenges conventional perceptions of nonhuman beings. A pivotal element of the book’s impact is its foreword penned by Dr. Jane Goodall, a testament to its profound message and scientific integrity. Dr. Bekoff’s close collaboration with Goodall as co-chair of the ethics committee of the Jane Goodall Institute further underscores his commitment to ethical animal treatment and conservation.

The book is not merely an academic treatise; it serves as a stirring call to compassionate action. It encourages readers to rethink their interactions with animals and consider the ethical implications of human activities on wildlife and domestic companions. The narrative is enriched by breathtaking wildlife photography, much of it contributed by internationally acclaimed photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen, whose intimate portraits visually convey the emotional depth discussed in the text. This visual storytelling amplifies the book’s message, making it an accessible and emotionally resonant experience for a broad audience. Bekoff’s previous works, including the second edition of The Emotional Lives of Animals and Jane Goodall at 90, along with his regular contributions to Psychology Today, solidify his reputation as a leading advocate for animal welfare and a pioneer in understanding animal sentience. His recognition as a "Hero" by the Academy of Dog Trainers in June 2022 further highlights his practical contributions to the field.

Canine Conservation: The Work of Alison Pearce Stevens

Joining Dr. Bekoff is Alison Pearce Stevens, a biologist-turned-children’s author, who will illuminate the remarkable abilities of working dogs in her book, Detective Dogs: How Working Dogs Sniff Out Invasive Species. Stevens’ work provides a lively and engaging introduction to the critical role canines play in environmental conservation, specifically in detecting and mitigating the spread of invasive species across North America. The book introduces readers to intrepid canine environmental detectives like Fenton, Frost, Fagen, Dia, Hilo, Diesel, and Seuss, showcasing their invaluable contributions to protecting delicate ecosystems.

The extraordinary olfactory capabilities of dogs are a cornerstone of their effectiveness in this specialized field. A dog’s nose contains up to 300 million olfactory receptors, compared to about six million in humans, and an olfactory bulb that is proportionally 40 times larger. This allows them to detect odors at concentrations far below human perception, making them ideal partners in locating elusive invasive species. These species, ranging from plants and insects to aquatic organisms, pose significant ecological and economic threats. They outcompete native species, disrupt food webs, alter habitats, and can cost billions of dollars annually in damages and control efforts. For instance, the zebra mussel, an invasive freshwater mollusk, has caused extensive damage to infrastructure and native ecosystems in North America. Similarly, species like the emerald ash borer have devastated forest populations.

Stevens’ narrative spotlights three ongoing conservation projects where working dogs are actively combating these invaders. Through her firsthand accounts and onsite photography from Manitoba, Wyoming, and the Hudson Valley, readers gain an intimate understanding of how scientists and handlers collaborate with these highly trained dogs. The book details the training processes, the specific targets these dogs are trained to find, and the impact of their work on conservation outcomes. For example, dogs might be trained to detect the scent of invasive plants, pest insects hidden in cargo, or the scat of elusive invasive mammals, often in challenging terrains where human detection is nearly impossible. The visual element, featuring full-color photographs of the detective dogs in action, reinforces the engaging narrative and brings the science to life.

Detective Dogs has been recognized for its educational value, earning a spot on the NSTA-CBC Best STEM Books List, among other accolades. Stevens, a regular contributor to publications like Science News Explores and Highlights, skillfully translates complex scientific concepts into accessible and compelling stories for young readers, fostering an early appreciation for science and nature. Her other works, including Rhinos in Nebraska and Animal Climate Heroes, further demonstrate her commitment to inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

The Vision Behind Bark! Fest

Bark! Fest is co-hosted by Dr. Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson, both respected figures in the animal behavior and welfare community. Dr. Todd, a prominent expert in companion animal behavior and welfare, is the author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy. Her work focuses on evidence-based approaches to improving the lives of pets. Kristi Benson is a certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant known for her practical insights into canine behavior and training. Their combined expertise ensures that Bark! Fest provides a platform for credible and impactful discussions, making it a valuable resource for pet owners, animal advocates, and professionals alike.

The festival itself embodies a commitment to education and engagement, serving as a vital bridge between cutting-edge scientific research and the broader public. By bringing together authors whose work illuminates different facets of the animal world, Bark! Fest fosters a holistic understanding of our planet’s diverse inhabitants. It underscores the belief that knowledge and empathy are fundamental to promoting animal welfare and effective conservation.

Broader Impact and Implications

The discussions at Bark! Fest extend beyond the specific topics of animal emotions and canine detection. They tap into a growing global awareness and concern for animal welfare and environmental sustainability. The scientific community has increasingly recognized animal sentience, moving away from purely mechanistic views of animal life. This shift has significant implications for animal ethics, legislative frameworks, and public policy, influencing everything from agricultural practices to wildlife management. Events like Bark! Fest play a crucial role in disseminating this scientific understanding to a broader audience, fostering a more informed and compassionate society.

Furthermore, the emphasis on working dogs in conservation highlights the innovative solutions emerging in environmental science. As climate change and human expansion continue to threaten biodiversity, leveraging the unique abilities of animals, particularly dogs, offers a powerful tool for monitoring, protecting, and restoring ecosystems. These collaborations not only demonstrate the incredible potential of the human-animal bond but also inspire creative approaches to pressing environmental challenges.

For attendees, the event offers more than just information; it provides inspiration. By showcasing authors who blend rigorous research with accessible storytelling, Bark! Fest encourages critical thinking and active participation in animal advocacy and conservation. The books featured, available through various retailers and local libraries, serve as ongoing resources for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding and contribute to a more compassionate world for all species. This synergy between authors, hosts, and audience exemplifies the festival’s mission to ignite a passion for animals and the natural world.