Conservationists inspired by gorilla expert Influential conservationist Ian Redmond OBE gave an inspirational lecture to Conservation Society members during a visit to our animal management centre.
questions from students studying for wildlife related degrees and diplomas, many of whom have or will go on to complete field research with exotic species.
Renowned for his research on the mountain gorillas of Rwanda alongside zoologist Dian Fossey, who inspired the film ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, Ian has been involved with more than 50 television wildlife documentaries and is founder and chairman of Ape Alliance, an international coalition working for the conservation and welfare of apes.
BSc Wildlife Conservation and Ecology undergraduate James Wylor-Owen said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to meet a conservation role model with an incredible background of in-situ research, particularly in human and wildlife conflict.”
During his talk, Ian described his experiences with apes and other species and discussed his concerns about climate change. He also answered
Touring our campus zoo, Ian commented: “Reaseheath has magnificent facilities and not only provides an excellent home for species found in national zoo collections, but is using them to train the biologists of the future. I have been impressed with
Ian Redmond meets our ring tailed lemurs and Zoo Management and Wildlife Conservation undergraduates Ashleigh Ball, Daniel Collin, Harley Merrigan, Charlotte Daniels, Jack Wootton and James Wylor-Owen and Zoo Keeper Alan Woodward
the enthusiasm and evident knowledge of the students and their wish to make a difference to habitat and species conservation.” Our Conservation Society has over 100 student members who enjoy educational visits, work with communities
on environmental projects and hold fund raising events. We also have a well supported Herpetological and Entomological Society and a new Birds of Prey Society.
Marine mammal emergency averted! A beached pilot whale and several dolphins and seals were successfully ‘saved’ by animal management students during training for an internationally recognised qualification in wildlife rescue. The one day course was offered to degree students and to Access to HE students who are studying science or animal management. After a morning of lectures and an afternoon of practical instruction on
our lawn using inflatable life sized models, all 37 students achieved their British Divers Marine Life Rescue “Marine Mammal Medic” certificate. This award qualifies our students to help in day-to-day marine wildlife emergencies and will be a fantastic addition to their CVs. This was the third time we have offered this qualification to our students and it is so popular that we are planning a
‘wet’ course when students will get hands-on with the rescue of a live marine mammal. Undergraduate Josh Bufton, was talent spotted by Animal Management undergraduates enjoy their marine mammal training the instructors, who suggested he been a great opportunity to should progress gain a qualification which will onto an advanced qualification. help me to decide what sector Josh, who hopes to work with I’d like to work in.” marine species, said “This has
Jack wins scholarship to explore fish behaviour BSc Wildlife Conservation and Ecology graduate Jack Wootton spent the summer studying
Fish behaviour research scholarship for Jack Wootton
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how fish respond to reflective stimuli after being awarded a research scholarship by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW). Jack, who is keen to improve the living conditions of fish in aquaria, applied for his scholarship while studying for his degree. He spent three months working with guppies at the University of Chester, recording whether and how the fishes’ behaviour was affected by the reflective surface created by standard glass. His unique research is aimed
at improving the welfare of fish commonly kept as pets. He is currently working on a research paper which he hopes to publish in 2016 and is keen to continue the study with different species of fish. Jack completed a Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management with us and then spent two years working in Borneo and in the UK industry before progressing onto a Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, followed by a one year top-up to a BSc. During
his studies, he gained relevant work experience in the fish department of our Animal Centre. Jack said: “I enjoyed working with UFAW and hope that my research will help to improve the welfare of fish in aquaria. I found the scientific study incredibly interesting and would be keen to continue for a Masters degree or PhD. Being a Reaseheath student definitely played a major part in building my passion for aquatic life and furthering my career”.
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