Ep 77 Samantha Ward on zoo-based stockmanship and the importance of cross-industry communication

"Curiosity is key. Ask questions and break them down into smaller components and apply it to a study to create a fundamental understanding... it helps us progress from what we know to more knowledge" - Samantha Ward

Let’s welcome Dr Samantha Ward, a senior lecturer in animal science at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) who also manages the undergraduate bachelor’s degree in zoo animal biology. Furthermore, Sam works within the EAZA Records Working Group, a research advisor for Wild Welfare and is a welfare expert on the Zoo’s Executive Committee as part of Defra.

Sam shares with us how her love of animals came from her childhood through caring for her pets. She specifically reminisces of a goat named ‘Fudge’ which she entered a local race, which got mentioned in the local paper. Through work experience, Sam discovered the veterinary career was not for her. This led her to complete a BSc in Applied Zoology, an MSc in Animal Behaviour and a PhD in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. During this period, Sam had a placement with Professor Vicky Melfi where she discovered her love of hoof stock when working with rhinos. Here she researched whether positive human-animal interactions result in positive behaviour and welfare. This soon progressed into her MSc thesis.

Sam then explains the importance of developing a firm understanding of fundamentals before further research can be undertaken. She provided an example of understanding the basics of animal perceptions of humans to measure it.

Sam clarifies her role as a Zoo Welfare Specialist in Defra. She is proud that her knowledge can help contribute to positive change to legislation. Consequently, improving the welfare of UK based zoos, by changing the minimal standards required to gain a zoo license.

Next, Sam describes how her previous position as a conservation research manager gave her skills in record-keeping on Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), which was critical for her role within the EAZA Animal record working group. She helps train others to improve recordkeeping, critical to producing insights into health, welfare and conservation across all zoos. Sam then discusses the UK based charity; Wild Welfare which aims to improve the welfare of animals housed in zoos globally. This is accomplished through providing training.

Sam then discusses ‘Zoo Animal Learning and Training’ , a book herself, Vicky Melfi and Nicole Dorey had released last year, containing chapters written by many people including Sabrina Brando. It is a book that aims to be both a textbook and provide tips for practical application.

Sam concludes by telling us about how this past year she has moved to a smallholding farm. This enabled her to become self-sufficient and return to her roots of being surrounded by chickens.

Learn about Sam’s research HERE

Learn about BIAZA’s research HERE

Learn about Wild Welfare HERE

Find out about the UK Zoos Expert Committee HERE

Learn about Sam’s book HERE

Listen on your favourite player or directly HERE

Become a member of PAWS now HERE