Wayne Fortune is ZSL’s Archivist & Records Manager, working to preserve and make accessible the history of ZSL through its records.
ZSL's Archive is a unique collection dating back to ZSL's founding in 1826. Primarily an institutional archive, most records in the collection relate to ZSL's role as a learned society, conservation charity, scientific research institute (Institute of Zoology) and our two Zoos: London and Whipsnade.
Covering all aspects of recordkeeping practice, Wayne is responsible for accessioning, appraisal, cataloguing, preservation, and access to ZSL’s archival collections. He also contributes to outreach efforts by supporting staff and external researchers with their enquiries, giving tours of the collection, and developing engagement strategies.
Wayne has previously worked in archives at Lambeth Palace Library, SOAS and Lloyd’s Register Foundation. He is particularly interested in outreach, especially bringing archives to a broader audience and widening participation.