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For Zoos (Directors & Leadership)
Welfare & Behaviour Performance for Zoological Collections
Independent, science-informed welfare and behaviour assurance reviews that strengthen welfare assurance, reduce operational risk, and build consistent practice across teams.
- 25 years’ international experience
- Award-recognised
- Confidential and independent
To discuss further, you can book a no-obligation, 30-minute Director Briefing by clicking the link below. You'll receive a proposed scope, timeline, and next steps.
Independent Welfare & Behaviour Assurance Review
When welfare risks increase, they rarely present as a single dramatic incident. Instead, they manifest as inconsistent practices, overstretched teams, avoidable safety risks, and welfare decisions that are difficult to justify at the board level. I offer independent, director-ready welfare and behaviour assurance reviews that transform the notion of "we think we’re okay" into a clear baseline, measurable assurance, and a practical operational plan that your teams can implement.
With 25 years of experience in international zoo welfare, behaviour, and training leadership, I collaborate with Animal Care and Veterinary teams to enhance everyday practices and establish robust systems that can withstand scrutiny. This includes formal behaviour, training, and welfare programs aligned with senior leadership's priorities.
What you get (fast, practical, evidence-led)
- Establish a welfare baseline aligned with a proven framework (such as the Five Domains) to help leadership identify strengths, risks, and key priorities.
- Provide a RAG-rated (Red, Amber, Green) summary of risks and assurance summary, including designated owners, timelines, and immediate mitigation strategies.
- Develop a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) framework with follow-up validation to ensure progress is measurable, rather than anecdotal.
- Implement team coaching and workshops that embed best practices for behavioural husbandry into daily workflows, making it part of the routine rather than an additional task.
- Create priority-case behaviour plans that outline clear thresholds, actions, and escalation protocols.
Engagement Options
Assurance Review (Fast Baseline)
Best for: Preparing for inspections, new leadership, and addressing emerging welfare risks.
Includes: A baseline assessment, RAG risk summary, KPI framework, implementation plan, and leadership briefing.
Implementation Partner (Most popular)
Best for: Translating findings into consistent practices across teams.
Includes: Everything from the Assurance Review, plus workshops, coaching, SOP/toolkit development, and follow-up validation.
Capability & Culture Uplift (Long-term)
Best for: Ensuring multi-departmental consistency and resilience during staff changes.
Includes: Program design, mentoring, governance rhythm, and quarterly assurance reviews.
Aligned to modern zoo welfare direction worldwide
Modern zoo welfare practices increasingly emphasise structured welfare assessments based on recognised frameworks, commonly referred to as the Five Domains. Behavioural husbandry and training are integrated as essential tools for welfare, rather than optional extras.
For international organisations, I can align your current practices with the expectations outlined in major guidance and accreditation frameworks. This will provide board-level assurance through an evidence-based baseline, clear key performance indicators (KPIs), actionable operational strategies, and follow-up validation.
UK collections - inspection readiness pathway
(Optional add-on)
The Standards of Modern Zoo Practice 2027 will take effect on 24 May 2027 throughout Great Britain. I offer a practical gap analysis against these new standards, an inspection-ready evidence trail, and an implementation plan that your animal care teams can seamlessly incorporate into their routines.
To discuss further, you can book a no-obligation, 30-minute Director Briefing by clicking the link below. You'll receive a proposed scope, timeline, and next steps.