Bioinspiration, also known as biomimicry, is an interdisciplinary process in which biological principles and elements are studied in order to draw analogies to be applied to human innovation. We will first define bioinspiration through examples of past successes. Next, we will discuss why conservation organizations like San Diego Zoo Global are interested in this field and how conservation may benefit from the involvement of engineers and industry. Participants will enjoy and adaptation tour of some of San Diego Zoo Global’s diverse plant and animal collections, highlighting examples of how the natural world can inspire engineering. Dr. Danoff-Burg’s will include an interactive exercise to help stimulate creative thinking based around bioinspiration.
