The Smithsonian's National Zoo, located in the heart of Washington DC, is home to more than 2,100 animals, representing almost 400 different species, including some of the planet’s most critically endangered species. Their goal is to "instill a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences with animals and the people working to save them." But even under these most worthwhile of intentions, the essential conflict of animal attractions remains - is it ever truly ethical to attend the zoo as a consumer?

Here to unpack this thorny quandry, and to look at all the cute critters, is theater professional CAITLYN FITZGERALD! We talk about her living with Lupus, the necessity of being your own advocate in the medical system, and how a woman's pain still isn't taken as seriously as a man's. She explains spoon theory as someone living with a chronic condition, and tells her story of losing the ability to drive due for nearly a year due to mysterious blackouts. And of course we have animals galore - from her obsession with Elephants, her recovery from childhood turkey attack trauma, and a Tiger vs. Duck showdown that provided the most stressful Zoo moments we've ever experienced.

Plus Collected Possibilities Co-Founder DAVID PRATT celebrates an important birthday and answers the Existential Question of the Week: Where do bad folks go when they die?

Is the Smithsonian's National Zoo something you have to do before you die? Listen and find out!

COLLECTED POSSIBILITIES

• E-Mail: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collectedpossibilities/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collectedpossibilities
• Episode Recommendation: CATOCTIN WILDLIFE PRESERVE w/ DANIKA MYERS - https://collectedpossibilitiespod.libsyn.com/catoctin-wildlife-preserve-with-danika-myers-or-a-deep-seated-fear-of-large-winged-creatures

CAITLYN FITZGERALD

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfitzsm/

THE SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO

• Website: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/
• Reserve Tickets
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalzoo
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/smithsonianzoo
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SmithsonianNZP

DAVID PRATT

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.pratt.2020/
• Past Episodes:
  • Laurel's House of Horrors - https://collectedpossibilitiespod.libsyn.com/laurels-house-of-horror-with-david-pratt-or-no-touch-all-go
  • Fl!p Circus - https://collectedpossibilitiespod.libsyn.com/flp-circus-with-david-pratt-or-do-you-have-a-soul

WORLD DOMINATION WRESTLING ALLIANCE

• https://www.facebook.com/wdwawrestling

EPISODE CREDITS

• Host: Jason Heat
• Editor: Mike Valentyne
• Theme: Zia Hassan
• Logo: Kitokoart
• Graphic: Ernie Osiris