Alyson Fishbein

Alyson Fishbein graduated with her master's in anthropology from Florida Atlantic University. During this time she developed a deep passion for comparative anatomy, with a focus on the brain, while also developing a sincere interest in ethnozoology, with an expanding interest in understanding the relationship between humans and non-human animals, especially as it pertains to conservation efforts. Outside of her studies, Alyson is an avid photographer and indulges in painting, sculpting with clay and glass, stop-motion animation and enjoys creating music. Her desire to help stop wildlife trafficking is what inspired her to fuse her passions for academia and art together. 

The photographs all stem from my study of a captive group of chimpanzees between 2014-2023. The photographs were initially used to educate the public about the plight of chimpanzees, with an emphasis on the various threats they face. My hope is that these photographs and the art inspired by them will help inspire future generations to help work towards mitigating the various threats faced by primates in an effort to keep them out of captivity and in their natural environments. This, of course, does not diminish the vital role that zoos and various facilities play in the conservation of non-human primates.