Lisa Clifforde

What did you enjoy about your programme/the Biological Sciences department?

I was initially attracted to the program because of the link to Chester Zoo. It enabled me to conduct my dissertation and other research projects on exotic species rather than domestics. Several of the lectures were conducted at the zoo as well. I liked the first year practical modules at Reaseheath, as this was missing from several of the other courses I considered. We also had a module on current research, whereby a series of researchers came and gave guest lectures about their work. I found this very inspiring and also useful to be up to date with current issues and work in a relevant field.

What is your intended/current career path since graduating?

I  initially  choose  to  study  animal  behaviour  and welfare with an interest in exotic animal behaviour and  cognition  and  a  desire  to  improve the  welfare  of  captive  animals. However, I wasn’t really sure how to  progress  to  a  career  in  this area. As  part  of  my Work Based Learning module  at  Chester, I  spent  six  weeks  at  Cotswold Wildlife Park as a work experience  keeper  and  this  opened  my  eyes to  a  new  career  path  I  had  never considered before.

I fell in love with zoo keeping and after graduating I worked my way up the ranks from a part-time volunteer keeper at Cotswold Wildlife Park to Zoological Curator at the Living Rainforest. My  role  at  The  Living  Rainforest  was  very  varied   and  involved  not  only  animal  management  and husbandry but also collection planning, enclosure design  and  welfare  reviews.  Dedicated  animal  welfare  roles  are  quite  scarce  in  the  zoological industry, so I had imagined that I would continue in a curatorial role for the rest of my career. When I saw the vacancy for Animal Welfare Officer advertised at ZSL I realised that this was a rare opportunity that I shouldn’t overlook, but my expectations of securing the position were not high. Fortunately for me, my experience as a keeper and manager stood me in good stead and I was offered the position. My role at ZSL includes both the London and Whipsnade Zoos and I could be working with species of any taxa from spiders to sealions! My main responsibilities are the co-ordination of welfare mitigations within the  zoo,  utilising  behavioural  observations  from staff and volunteers, data collection from students and the expertise of veterinary staff and keepers. It is a large and complex role that requires a great deal of tact and diplomacy as animal welfare can be an emotive subject for many people. This role has  given  me  the  opportunity  to  go  back  to  my original  career  goals,  whilst  remaining  in  the  zoo industry that I love.