Vission & Mission

Our 501 c(3) Mission, ‘Supporting the Sciences of Life and Light through the Arts for Animal Welfare and Wildlife Conservation,’ describes the purpose of the Zoological Lighting Institute (ZLI) best. Our work aims to protect animals and the communities that depend upon them by engaging with the environmental challenges raised by the Photo Sciences. We work upon the critical but under-attended arena of light insofar as it affects living things.

The Sciences simply refer to the honesty of allowing critical thinking and progress to guide judgements, so that effective actions can be pursued to achieve goals.

The Arts, whether of cultural heritage or modern in character, provide necessary perspectives on the questions that one might pose within the sciences.

We engage the sciences and arts 'for' animal welfare and wildlife conservation; our primary strategies to reduce suffering in the world.

Animal Welfare engagement reduces human suffering, paying attention to life around us with respectful care.

Wildlife Conservation gives clear purpose to climate change mitigation and sustainabilty efforts, because 'without life there is no life'.

Without wildlife, there is no life

Caring for animals means caring for the animals in our vicinity, such as in aquariums, zoos or as pets in our homes, but it also means caring for animals that exist freely. Wild animals have the added value of contributing to the ecosystems that all humans need to survive. 

Luminous habitat conservation is an imperative part of wildlife conservation, because natural light is an integral requirement of the biology for all species on earth. As an active partner within the U.N. Decade on Biodiversity (seeking to help achieve the Aichi Targets), and advocate of thoughtful animal welfare helping WAZA and other zoos follow their stated missions in an ignored arena, The Zoological Lighting Institute seeks the good in life for life.

There is no organization like us

ZLI is the only charity of its kind in the world. Our unique mission is to pursue the work that a for-profit company would not be able to. We provide information, tools and solutions for businesses and governments to ensure sustainable and wildlife-friendly development. For-profit companies need communities, communities need wildlife, and wildlife needs natural light; we are here to ensure that this is not only understood, but acted upon for the economic, cultural and environmental benefits of all life on this planet.

The Zoological Lighting Institute (ZLI) has been supporting the sciences of life and light through the arts for animal welfare and wildlife conservation since 2012. As an international nonprofit organization and leader within the field of Photo Sciences, our mission is to promote life-saving, but often under-funded, research and creative initiatives to foster innovation, dialogue, and collaboration worldwide.

We need your help

Our work would not be possible without the generous donations from people like you who share our vision of a more innovative and creative future. We welcome you to become part of our global community of volunteers, sponsors, and other supporters. Together, we can shape the future today!