Bridging Science Across Species: A Biomechanics Outreach Event at the Zoo

Abstract Outreach events are an excellent way to expose science disciplines to the public beyond the ivory tower of academics. In this paper, we describe how a zoo-academia collaborative team designed and hosted an interdisciplinary outreach event exposing thousands to the wonders of bio-inspired design and biomechanics. Over the past four years, we have run such a collaborative outreach event which has attracted 26,750 people, allowing children and adults to be exposed to diverse research fields through our annual Zoo Biomechanics Day. In partnering with labs, companies, and student organizations, we have hosted 17 unique booths highlighting human, plant, and animal biomechanics and bio-inspiration to showcase engaging demonstrations of science, technology, engineering, arts, and medicine (STEAM) principles. This event is low-cost ( < $300 annually) while increasing attendance at the zoo by over 65% compared to similar non-event days. Furthermore, participating researchers get connected to the zoo, allowing discussions of new collaborative research between the zoo and universities. This paper will serve as a framework for others to host events which highlight the zoo-university collaborations that enhance the dual objectives of outreach and research at modern zoos.