Dr. Koen Margodt
I am an ethicist with a special interest in animal ethics. I am fascinated by animals and humans – what we have in common, how we differ and how we can and should help other animals. I have been working with Dr. Jane Goodall and the Jane Goodall Institute for thirty years. I believe in building dialogue and bridges. As a guest professor at various universities, I specialize in delivering presentations on and writing about animal ethics and animal-human relationships. Welcome!
Just Published!
Jane Goodall at 90
A loving tribute from Jane Goodall's family and friends to a most amazing, iconic and indefatigable woman.
Edited by Marc Bekoff and Koen Margodt
More information
Featured Publication
In this essay, Dr. Jane Goodall and I argue that factory farms are at the same time one of the most serious ethical challenges ever and in principle one of the easiest to resolve. Factory farms threaten billions of organisms and our planet. Moving to a plant-based diet is a win-win-win for animals, the planet and our own health.
“One of the most powerful essays I've ever read on why factory farming must end, to be replaced by more plant-based eating.”
(Prof. Dr. Peter Singer, Emeritus Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University)
“Koen Margodt is one of the most profound and nuanced scholars within the field of animal ethics. His work is a perfect intellectual antidote against polarization and misunderstanding.”
Other posts
Science, Ethics and Truth
11 May 2024
My recent involvement in a debate on dolphin captivity reminded me of the value of these three words – science, ethics and truth. The animal debate is not only about what’s in the animals’ best interests, but it’s also about truth and truthfulness. I’m sharing here some reflections on a few of my experiences over the years - both positive and negative.
“This is brilliant.”
Dr. Jane Goodall (DBE, Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace)
"A terrific essay."
Prof. Dr. Dale Jamieson (ethicist, New York University, USA)
A Dolphin Plea in the Flemish Parliament
12 April 2024
On Wednesday 6 March 2024 Dr Jane Goodall and I gave a testimony on keeping dolphins in captivity for the Members of Parliament of the Flemish Animal Welfare Commission. I shared a video message of Dr. Goodall. Together we made a plea why the Flemish government should legally ban the keeping, breeding and importing of dolphins in Flanders. We argued that the remaining dolphins in the Boudewijn Seapark near Bruges should be retired in a seaside sanctuary. The animal advocacy group GAIA had suggested the Commission to invite both of us, for which we are grateful.
On Wednesday 20 March questions by Members of Parliament were answered. As the dolphinarium in Bruges may be allowed to further keep dolphins, with a new evaluation only taking place in 2037, we have written an open letter to the Members of Parliament, which has been endorsed by various marine mammal experts, ethicists and other animal advocates. Additional information on dolphins can be found here.
Links for our testimony:
- Transcription of Dr Jane Goodall and Dr Koen Margodt’s testimony in English(6 March 2024)
- Transcription of Dr Jane Goodall and Dr Koen Margodt’s testimony in Flemish (6 March 2024)
- PDF of the Presentation by Dr Koen Margodt(6 March 2024)
- Link to the recorded broadcast of all testimonies by the Flemish Parliamentary Commission (in Flemish)(6 March 2024)
- PDF of the Q&A Presentation with Dr. Koen Margodt(20 March 2024)
- Link to the recorded broadcast of the Q&A session in the Flemish Parliamentary Commission(20 March 2024)
- Link to the Open Letter by Dr Jane Goodall, Melody Horrill and Dr Koen Margodt
- Link to Additional Information on Dolphins and Dolphinariums
JGI supports the draft law to ban whaling in Iceland
1 November 2023
The Jane Goodall Institute calls for a compassionate attitude towards whales and to halt the practice of whaling. Our Cetacean Committee has published a statement of support for the draft law to ban this practice in Iceland. We thank the Icelandic MPs who are proposing this and appreciate the transparency of the process.
Read the full statement here