The Genius of Dogs: Featuring world-renowned canine behaviorists Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, in conversation with David Quammen, iconic chronicler of the natural world.

Events

A man and woman sitting on grass outside smiling, each holding a dog, with trees in the background.

Sunday, October 11, 2026
Lensic Performing Arts Center

The Genius of Dogs:

Featuring world-renowned canine behaviorists Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, co-authors of the bestselling books The Genius of Dogs and Survival of the Friendliest, whose work has been featured on “60 Minutes.” In conversation with David Quammen, iconic chronicler of the natural world.

With world-renowned dog behaviorists Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, co-authors of The Genius of Dogs

Learn more

Sunday, November 8, 2026
Lensic Performing Arts Center

Ghost Elephants: With Legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog

The transformative joy of being with animals and the places they call home

Project

THE BEING WITH ANIMALS PROJECT

We’re about exploring and celebrating the age-old yet ever-changing relationship between humans and the astonishing creatures with whom we share the planet. We’re about bringing together leading authors, scientists, photographers, filmmakers, and other storytellers to discuss the wonders and mysteries of the natural world and our extraordinary connections to it. We’re about sharing wisdom, offering advice on advocacy, and helping better understand and appreciate animals and the wild places they—and some of us—call home.

From the first known cave painting, depicting a wild boar some 45,000 years ago, animals have occupied our hearts and imaginations. Our shared histories run deep. When we embrace a beloved dog, ride a horse through a meadow, or gasp at the sight of thousands of starlings moving in concert, we repeat patterns that are embedded in our emotional DNA. Being with Animals honors those ancient bonds.

We launch our project at a time when species are going extinct daily, climate change feels insurmountable, and global politics loom large. Our aim is to offer events and experiences that build on collective knowledge about animals and the environment and inspire us to find more and better ways to protect them.

We hope you’ll join us for our inaugural sessions, one on October 11 and one on November 8, both of which promise to be both profoundly grounding and utterly

We launch this project at a time when species are going extinct daily, climate change feels insurmountable, and global politics loom large.

Our goal is to offer events and experiences that will build on collective knowledge about animals and the environment and inspire us all to find more ways to protect them. We hope you’ll join us for sessions that promise to be both profoundly grounding and utterly exhilarating. Our first conversations will take place on October 11 and November 8, in the historic Lensic Performing Arts Center, a premier 825–seat space in the heart of Santa Fe.

“A bird does not sing because it has an answer.
It sings because it has a song.”

— Maya Angelou

Multiple horses running on a racetrack at dusk or dawn, with a cloudy sky in the background.

Place

We’re based in New Mexico but have our eye on the world

From the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico provides habitats for a vast array of animals, including some of the world’s largest herds of wild horses and buffalo. For thousands of years, Native tribes have recognized the importance of this landscape to their survival and have worked to maintain balance between people and the natural world. Our ranching and farming communities strive to do the same today, and many of us here in Santa Fe show our love for animals and our local landscape in smaller ways.

Santa Fe has more dogs per capita than almost any city in the country. Backyard chickens, horses, birds, and goats abound. But no matter where you call home, it’s not hard to rekindle that primal connection to other species. Just step outside and look around. has more dogs per capita than almost any city in the country. Backyard chickens, horses, birds, and goats abound. But no matter where you call home, it’s not hard to rekindle that primal connection to other species. Just step outside and look around.

TEAM

We are a team of writers, designers, and event staff will help bring our vision to fruition.

For 2027, we plan to grow our programming to include additional talks, film screenings, an online bookstore, and a Fall 2027 Being with Animals Festival complete with lectures, films, demonstrations, workshops, and more.

Please join our mission. Stay in touch!

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