ZANE

ZANE (Zoos and Aquariums for a Neurodiverse Ecosystem) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to fostering genuine inclusion and belonging for neurodivergent professionals of all neuro-identities working across the zoo and aquarium sector.

Founded in 2024 by Grayson Ponti, ZANE was created to address a critical gap in the industry: moving beyond compliance-based accessibility toward cultures of empathy, understanding, and long-term support.

Zoos and aquariums are uniquely complex environments, combining animal care, conservation, education, guest services, and hospitality under intense operational and public scrutiny. While many institutions have made progress in physical accessibility, ZANE recognises that neurodivergent staff and volunteers often continue to face invisible barriers that limit their ability to thrive.

ZANE’s work reframes neurodiversity not as a challenge to be managed, but as a source of valuable perspectives that can strengthen teams, enhance problem-solving, and support institutional missions.

Building inclusion with ZANE

ZANE’s approach is intentionally practical and human-centred. Rather than promoting one-size-fits-all solutions, the organisation encourages institutions to examine their systems, communication styles, role structures, and daily practices. Its work focuses on helping organisations move from minimum standards to environments grounded in compassion and flexibility.

The organisation operates across three core areas: sparking conversations around neurodiversity and inclusion, connecting self-advocates and allies through a growing professional community, and providing guidance and support to institutions seeking to adopt neurodivergent-affirming practices. Since launching, ZANE has seen rapid engagement, with hundreds of institutional members and more than 1200 individual professionals and 400 attendees at the AZA Conference participating globally.

ZANE is also a partner in Beyond Access, a National Science Foundation-funded initiative exploring more inclusive informal STEM learning environments across zoos, aquariums, museums, science centres, and public gardens.

By centring lived experience and recognising neurodivergent professionals as experts in their own needs, ZANE offers zoos and aquariums a new way forward. Its work highlights that inclusion is not an act of charity, but a strategic and ethical imperative—one that benefits people, animals, and organisations alike.