A new chapter in our conservation efforts: Dr Rebecca Biddle appointed as Chief Conservation Officer

This brand-new role will see Dr Rebecca Biddle spearhead our charity's commitment to being a driving force in global conservation

Since joining Twycross Zoo in 2021, Dr Biddle has been instrumental in shaping our conservation strategy and driving forward key initiatives to help us meet our conservation targets.  

In her new role, Dr Biddle will continue to oversee the incredible work of our animal, veterinary, education, conservation, and science teams. This new position will see her guide us into the future of global conservation, advancing initiatives that will shape the next phase of wildlife preservation and education

Across the international zoo sector, Dr Biddle is widely recognised for her expertise in population management and conservation education, and for her passion for a collaborative, community led approach to conservation

With seventeen years of experience in the zoo conservation sector, Dr Biddle began her career at Chester Zoo as a zoo educator, before earning her PhD in Conservation and Ecology from The Manchester Metropolitan University. Alongside her role at Twycross Zoo, she is currently the Vice Chair of European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) and contributes to numerous international committees and working groups, advocating for the critical role of zoos in conservation efforts worldwide.   

Last week Dr Biddle and her team represented Twycross Zoo at the annual EAZA Conference in Germany, where they are helping to shape the future of the zoo sector. Later this month, she will travel to Borneo to support one of our field conservation partners, Borneo Nature Foundation, which is an important milestone in our conservation work.

Our Chief Executive Officer, Craig Dunkerley, sharing his delight: “Dr Rebecca Biddle has been vital in leading our conservation strategy and I have every faith that she is the right leader for this new role and for our charity.  

“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.”  

Dr Rebecca Biddle said: “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.  

“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 driving forward initiatives that not only protect endangered species but also engage communities on a global scale.” 

For more information on Twycross Zoo’s Conservation Strategy, please visit: https://twycrosszoo.org/our-charity/conservation/