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 informationFeatured 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)
Other posts
Open Letter to Release Captain Paul Watson
26 July 2024
In a letter to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Dr. Jane Goodall, myself, and other members of the Jane Goodall Institute's Global Ethics and Cetacean Committees are urging the immediate release of Captain Paul Watson. For many years, he has been a prominent advocate against the inhumane practice of killing whales. These sentient beings should never be slaughtered for commercial purposes or under the guise of scientific research. Captain Watson should not be imprisoned in Japan for his efforts against a deeply cruel practice that should have been banned long ago.
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