Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire, UK has announced the appointment of Rebecca Biddle as its chief conservation officer.
In the new role, Biddle will lead the zoo’s global conservation efforts, overseeing the animal, veterinary, education, conservation and science teams.
“Zoos play a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species, and I am honoured to take on the role of chief conservation officer at Twycross Zoo,” she said.
“With one million species threatened with extinction due to human activities, zoos have a vital role to play in both protecting species, and in engaging their visitors and communities to support conservation efforts.
“We are a science-led zoo and conservation is at the heart of everything we do. I look forward to continuing this vital work and enhancing the impact we can have both locally and on a global scale.”
Since joining Twycross Zoo in 2021, Biddle has been instrumental in shaping its conservation strategy and helping it meet its conservation targets.
With 17 years’ experience in the international zoo sector, she is recognised for her expertise in population management and conservation education.
‘Zoos play a crucial role in conservation’
Twycross Zoo’s CEO Craig Dunkerley said: “The chief conservation officer role has been created to place our conservation efforts on equal footing with our business operations, highlighting how essential conservation is to the overall mission and functioning of the charity.
“Her passion, experience, and leadership, within both our zoo and the international zoo sector, makes her the perfect fit to steer our global conservation efforts.”
Twycross Zoo launched its new conservation strategy last year. Biddle said at the time: “Right now, one million animal and plant species are on the brink of extinction.”
One of the UK’s major zoos, Twycross Zoo cares for hundreds of animals from around 70 different species. It welcomes around 600,000 visitors a year to its 100-acre site.
Images courtesy of Twycross Zoo
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