“People need to be cared for in order to keep them from corroding,” says Jeanne Selander, who helps run the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm. The farm functions as an zoo for exotic animals.
But this isn’t a normal zoo. It’s staffed entirely by convicted felons. Selander has seen the experience transform the inmates. The work gives them purpose and being around animals seems to have a calming effect. Since she began working at the jail zoo, over 100 exotic animals have been rescued and the lives of dozens of inmates have been changed for the better.
Jeanne thinks the zoo can change people’s perception about inmates and help convicted felons rediscover their humanity.