Inspiring Future Generations of Animal Care Professionals in the UK
The future of animal welfare hinges on the effective transfer of knowledge and inspiration to new aspiring professionals, a mission Wild Welfare’s Sarah Bonser-Blake embraced in her recent education outreach talks. Sarah shared the personal story of her career journey with animal care students, motivating those who will one-day shape the future of animal welfare.
Sarah embarked on a knowledge sharing tour, connecting with prospective animal care professionals from across three prominent UK education institutions. Speaking about her extensive animal care experience, Sarah introduced the significant projects that Wild Welfare are involved in around the world, and the drive required to keep pushing for ever better animal welfare standards.
Across all three presentations, Sarah spoke with passion about the values that underpin Wild Welfare’s work: what we do, how we do it, and above all, why we do it. Drawing on her six years of dedication and experience at the organisation, she shared inspiring case studies, demonstrating the tangible difference our collaborative projects are making. From ongoing efforts in Japan to tackle the welfare of captive bears held in bear parks, to the success of our enrichment workshops delivered for animal care teams worldwide, Sarah illustrated the diverse and effective nature of Wild Welfareâs global impact.
The tour began in Sussex at Plumpton College, where Sarah delivered a virtual lunchtime lecture entitled âA Convoluted Career Working with Creaturesâ to their degree level students. The inspiring presentation provided students with career insights and practical tips. Afterwards, the class shared their resoundingly positive feedback, including Higher Education Programme Manager for Animal Studies, Will Hughes, who noted how Sarah wonderfully highlighted the value of seizing every opportunity in one’s career, even when it means stepping beyond personal comfort zones. Another attendee stated that âSarah’s journey is truly inspiring. Embracing opportunities can lead to such growth and adventure!â, highlighting the importance of encouraging students to think outside of the box when considering animal care and welfare. This initial collaboration with Plumpton College has opened up exciting new opportunities to further inspire their next generation of animal champions.
The next venue saw Sarah return to Pembrokeshire College, a regular collaborator with Wild Welfare. âIt was lovely to be back at the college where students had previously supported our âWalk Around the Worldâ challenge with great enthusiasm during our 10th-anniversary celebrationsâ said Sarah. With an enthusiastic group of around 30 students, we discussed a range of difficult issues involving captive wild animal welfare and exotic animal cafes. A followup question and answer session allowed students to actively engage in discussion regarding how to best approach captive animal welfare issues and how barriers can be overcome using insights and creative thinking.
The last stop of the virtual tour was Nottingham Trent University (NTU), a facility with which we are privileged to have had a close long-standing relationship with through ongoing research projects and collaborations. NTU is also home to Wild Welfareâs specialist advisor, Dr. Samantha Ward, an Associate Professor and recognised zoo animal welfare expert at the university. The visit was particularly emotive for Sarah, who is a proud graduate and alumni of the school.
âIâm always excited to share our work with the animal care professionals of the future. I hope Iâve managed to inspire the students and reminded them of the importance of animal welfare considerations within the animal care industry.â Sarah shared.
These university talks are a key part of Wild Welfare’s outreach, informing and inspiring the next generation of professionals who will strive to improve the standards of animal welfare in captivity for many years to come. By connecting with these future professionals, we are investing in a future where all captive wild animals receive the care and consideration they deserve.
If you are feeling inspired to get involved with Wild Welfareâs mission, take a look around our website to discover a mass of information, free learning resources, and details about how to begin your fundraising journey.
ENDS
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Notes to Editors
For more information or interview requests please contact Wild Welfare on communications@wildwelfare.org
Wild Welfare is a global organisation committed to improving animal welfare for captive wild animals. By uniting the worldâs leading zoos, zoo associations and animal welfare organisations, we build trusting partnerships that help provide long-term solutions to critical wild animal welfare issues.
Our vision is to end the suffering of captive wild animals around the world and ensure full and sustainable protection is given to all animals in human care. Find out more at wildwelfare.org. Registered charity in England (no.1165941).
