Karen and Hudson, a baby musk ox at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium


Hi, I’m Karen!

I’ve spent over thirty years working in wildlife conservation as a zoologist, educator, naturalist, animal trainer, and baby animal raiser at four accredited zoos and aquariums. Now I’m focused on using my insight and passion for connecting people to animals as a conservation storyteller.

I have a deep understanding of animal biology and behavior nurtured through decades of hands-on experience working with wild animals. My history developing public stewardship projects, education campaigns, and working on local and global field conservation projects has taught me the power of partnerships with purpose.

I look forward to working with you!

My mission is to create stories of nature that spur delight, ignite wonder, create empathy, and activate stewardship in my community.  

My vision is to be a trusted voice for nature who delivers happiness, nurtures curiosity, and inspires caring action.

My values are:

  • Model wonder and awe

  • Activate imagination

  • Celebrate delight

  • Reveal the fun side of science

  • Empower crusaders for nature through hope and optimism

  • Portray animals as animate and individual beings

  • Commit to ethical wildlife-watching practices 

Karen Povey’s CV

Please see below for samples of my publications.


Publications

Karen is the author of many professional publications and fourteen nature and science books for young and middle readers. She’s also published materials for conservation programming for audiences locally and abroad, with works translated into Thai, Vietnamese, Malay, and Bahasa Indonesia.

Seattle Times: How Volunteer Butterfly Catchers Help Climate Change Research in WA Parks

Seattle Times: Do You Have What it Takes to be a Community Scientist?

Mount Rainier’s Astronomy Interns Share the Stars and Start a Park Service Career, Washington’s National Park Fund Blog

Science in the Parks: The Cascades Butterfly Project, Washington’s National Park Fund Blog

More Fishers Come Home to the Olympics, National Parks Traveler

Meet the Birds of the North Cascades, Washington’s National Park Fund Blog

Why I’m Over the Top for our Parks, Washington’s National Park Fund Blog

Albatross Adoption Helps Tackle Ocean Trash in Tacoma, Oceanic Society