Conversation with Philipp Jucker, Specialist Department for Nature Conservation, City of Zurich

In 21 stories, the author explores encounters between humans and animals in the city—a true literary delight. She is joined by Philipp Jucker, Head of Species Promotion & Protected Areas at Grün Stadt Zürich, who knows the topic well from his daily work.

About the book: What happens when Sue discovers a viper in Visp’s station square? When Maya stubs her toe on a prehistoric horseshoe crab in Brooklyn? “Wildwechsel”tells 21 stories of unexpected encounters between humans and animals in urban environments. The characters are not actively seeking nature—they come across it by chance and react to these surprising interactions.

Presented by:
Franziska Witschi studied biology in Bern and completed a program in literary writing in Zurich. As a biologist, she creates habitats, greens cities, and frees rivers from their constraints. In her writing, she moves between poetry and prose. In 2023, she received a literary grant from the Canton of Bern, and in 2024 she was invited to the Nature Writing workshop of the Foundation for Art and Nature. She is a member of the executive board and program committee of the Literaare literary festival and the owner of Büro Witschi.

Philipp Jucker works at Grün Stadt Zürich as Head of Species Promotion & Protected Areas.

Moderation: Julia Knapp
Photo: Corinne Futterlieb