I’m an animal welfare scientist with 20 years of experience studying animal behavior and wellbeing. My work focuses on applying science to improve the lives of animals in human care, including those in zoos, sanctuaries, and laboratories. Trained as a primatologist, I’ve since expanded my research to include a broad range of captive wildlife.

Earlier in my career, I was a staff scientist at the Max Planck Institute in the Netherlands and a faculty member on the University of Chicago’s Committee on Evolutionary Biology. I later led the Animal Welfare Science Program at Lincoln Park Zoo, where I helped shape national and international approaches to welfare monitoring and evaluation. My team developed several widely adopted tools to support evidence-based decision-making to advance animal wellbeing.

Today, I continue to consult and advise on complex animal welfare issues, and I spend time writing and speaking about science, animals, and wellbeing. I currently serve as an advisor to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)’s Animal Welfare Committee, as a research advisor to the Chimfunshi chimpanzee sanctuary, and as a member of the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) International Scientific Advisory Committee.

Follow me on Bluesky @KatieACronin for tweets about animal welfare and opportunities in the field.