The UVM Humanities Center Presents: Borders/Crossings - Faculty Colloquium Series

"Making the Lion's Bite: Animal Taming and Colonial Governance," Alexander Clayton, (History)

As the British Empire grew in the nineteenth century, animal displays became moments to debate the nature of an expanding colonial project. This talk examines how lion tamers, circus keepers, and zoologists sought new methods to both control and enliven animal behaviors, making animal taming an allegory for global environmental governance and improvement. In most cases, displays of taming and civilizing meant forcing animals to bite first, leading many observers to question the false virtues that justified imperial power.

Space is limited and reserved for faculty. Lunch will be provided. RSVP is required. Please follow the link below to RSVP. Questions? Humanities.Center@uvm.edu