The Kerulos Center is a legally incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established on December 30, 2008 and located in southern Oregon, USA.
We create solutions to pressing questions and concerns that affect animal lives. These issues include
- animal trauma and abuse
- human-caused breakdown of wildlife societies
- human alienation from other nature
Our Vision
A world where animals and their societies live in dignity and freedom in peaceful co-existence with humans.
Our Mission
To translate knowledge of animals as fully sentient beings into animal care, conservation, policy, and human-nature relationships.
Our Name and Logo
Kerulos is the classical Greek word for kingfisher and the brilliant cerulean blue of their feathers. Word and bird are one, symbolizing our union with other animals as thinking, feeling, and sentient beings.
The other part of our logo, the uroboros, a circled snake, represents transformation and healing. Together, bird and snake, reflect our mission to use science in service to animals and for the betterment of earth.
How We Began
The seeds of the Kerulos Center were sown in 2005 with the completion of Executive Director Gay Bradshaw's dissertation, Elephant trauma and recovery: from human violence to trans-species psychology. Today, Kerulos has grown into an international center dedicated to ending this violence and creating compassionate communities.
Although animal mental suffering had been documented by animal model research, her discovery of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in free-ranging African elephants transformed the topic from one of scientific curiosity to one of social justice.
The presence of PTSD in elephants confirmed that animals are vulnerable to psychological trauma and violence just as are humans. Bradshaw's research was highlighted in a New York Times Magazine cover feature, An Elephant Crackup? (html/pdf). This seminal work launched the new field of trans-species psychology, articulated with her publication of Elephants on the Edge: What Animal Teach Us About Humanity (Yale University Press, 2009). Its selection by Scientific American as a Favorite Science Books of 2009 reflects the profound scientific and cultural shift that is taking place this century.
Our Values
Animals Talk, We Listen—Our work is shaped by animal needs and cultures.1
Interbeing—Humans and other nature are interconnected.
Truth—Animals comprise nations and communities imbued with unique values, culture, and the right to self-determination.
Reconciliation—Wellbeing and peace require restoring respect and compassion among humans and other nature.
Ethical Integrity—We are committed to acting ethically in all aspects of our work.
Our People
The Kerulos Center Faculty, Board,, and Advisors brings together a diverse, dedicated community of creative professionals and animals. We are unified in a common purpose: a peaceful and compassionate co-existence with other animals and a commitment to act with integrity and respect. Through website, projects, publications, and services, we serve as an active networking organization that bridges the academic community with animal advocacy and the public to serve our planet..
1. We take inspiration from Sioux scholar Vine Deloria Jr.'s seminal work, We Talk, You Listen.
photo credits
"Charlie Russell and Biscuit", courtesy Charlie Russell
"Ann Southcombe works to help Lenny the lynx in his recovery", courtesy Ann Southcombe
© 2010 Kerulos Center All rights reserved
"Science in service to animals"
