Ep77 Samantha Ward on zoo-based stockmanship and the importance of cross-industry communication

<p><span>"</span>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<span>" -&nbsp;</span><span>Samantha Ward</span></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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