Animal Queendom – June 21

What does it mean to be female? (... Ovum-producing? ... Nurturing? ... The "weaker sex"?) In her latest book, Bitch: On the Female of the Species, zoologist Lucy Cooke reveals a marvelous cast of animals that enlarge our understanding of biological femininity. Rebecca Giggs of The Atlantic, writes: "[Cooke] is motivated to find new ways for humans to see themselves reflected in nature, ... [and not just in] primates, but in venomous intersex moles, hyenas that give birth through their clitoris, filicidal mother meerkates, and post-menopausal orcas." Consequently, our view of humanity as a whole is enriched and enlightened.

Lucy Cooke earned her masters degree in zoology from Oxford university, studying with renowned evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins. She is a New York Times best-selling author of three books, and she has presented a range of natural history programs for the BBC. Ms. Cooke will be interviewed by Brian Hackney, anchor and meteorologist at CBS5 KPIX TV.

This event is produced by the Commonwealth Club in collaboration with Wonderfest. We can enjoy it in either of two ways: in person or online. Access to the two different ticket types is described in the HOW space, below. Each type is deeply discounted for Wondernauts who use the discount code WONDERFESTPROMO.