The Woodland Park Zoo is a Seattle treasure. The access to exotic animals, the education it provides, the community it creates, and the work it does to protect and preserve animal habitat are a model of inspiration. When it came time to look at organizations with whom we at Lasher wanted to partner, the Woodland Park Zoo was an easy choice.  As a longtime member of the Zoo and Chair of the Litigation Department at Lasher, I am excited by the opportunity to partner with the Woodland Park Zoo to support this important event.  I believe it is necessary to acknowledge and address the significant loss of habitat, but also to celebrate the individuals leading the conservation effort to protect and preserve those habitats.  Thrive is just one of many incredible ways the Woodland Park Zoo supports our environment and the heroes that dedicate their lives to conservation.

Prior to law school, I was a special education teacher at Meany Middle School in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. I was always excited to bring my students to the Woodland Park Zoo and witness the pure joy the children experienced.  Many of my students had lived in Seattle their whole lives, but had never been to the zoo. It was a real treat to share that experience with them. Back in the classroom we would connect the trip to the zoo with the importance of protecting our planet. This was a lesson that resonated with the students and hopefully had a lasting impact. I would not have been able to provide this particular “teachable moment” if the Woodland Park Zoo was not committed to education and outreach.

At Lasher, we are committed to providing the highest level of legal services, but we are equally committed to engaging with our community and supporting the efforts of those who help make our planet a better place.  The Woodland Park Zoo is an organization that we support because it makes a difference.

While it has undoubtedly been a year no one will forget, many important events and milestones have been and will be overshadowed by the pandemic.  I am thankful that the Woodland Park Zoo has evolved this event to ensure we can celebrate and recognize the significant work of Dr.  Dabek. Along with the rest of the Lasher family, we warmly invite you to participate in this event and consider supporting the Woodland Park Zoo and its conservation efforts.

You can learn more, and register, here: https://www.zoo.org/thrive.