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Ernie Bowman, first class keeper, was nicknamed `The Professor'. He was awarded ZSL’s Bronze medal in 1927 `for services rendered in the successful rearing of a young hippopotamus, 1926-27’. He was the eighth person to receive ZSL’s Bronze medal since 1866 and the third keeper to receive an award for rearing hippotami. He reared `Jimmy’ a male calf born on 20 August 1926.
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Keeper Ernie Bowman feeding a young pygmy hippopotamus in 1923
ZSL’s Bronze medal was awarded to members of staff for long and meritorious service to ZSL or an outstanding achievement. The medals were designed by Thomas Landseer in the early 1830s and engraved in 1844. One side shows a group of birds and on the other a group of mammals.
ZSL
ZSL's Bronze medal, `mammals' side, designed by Thomas Landseer
ZSL
ZSL's Bronze medal, `birds' side, designed by Thomas Landseer
For details of ZSL's Scientific Awards and Medals please go to ZSL Science and Conservation Awards
The photographs of Bowman are by F.W. Bond (1887-1942). Bond joined ZSL's Accounts Department in 1903. He served in the Army from 1917 to 1919 and after he was demobilised he was appointed Accountant. He later became the Society's Assistant Treasurer. He made a huge collection of photographs and these were presented to ZSL on his death.
ZSL
Keeper Ernie Bowman with hippos `Bobbie' and `Joan' photographed by Frederick Bond in 1923
A photograph of Ernie Bowman, was displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in London as part of their exhibition Hoppé Portraits : Society, Studio and Street during 2011 http://www.npg.org.uk/hoppe .The portrait in the exhibition featured Bowman with a hippopotamus `Joan’ at ZSL London Zoo in 1934.
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Careers at ZSL
Our people are our greatest asset and we realise our vision for a world where wildlife thrives through their ideas, skills and passion. An inspired, informed and empowered community of people work, study and volunteer together at ZSL.
ZSL London Zoo
A blog for lovers of ZSL London Zoo, bringing you extraordinary animal facts and exclusive access to the world's oldest scientific zoo.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Do you love wildlife? Discover more about our amazing animals at the UK's biggest zoo!
Conservation
We're working around the world to conserve animals and their habitats, find out more about our latest achievements.
Science
From the field to the lab, catch up with the scientists on the cutting edge of conservation biology at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology.
Education
A day in Discovery and Learning at ZSL is never dull! The team tell us all about the exciting sessions for school children, as well as work further afield.
Artefact of the month
Every month, one of the pieces held in ZSL’s Library and at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo will feature here as Artefact of the Month.
Wild About
Read testimonials from our Members and extracts from ZSL's award winning members' magazine, Wild About.
Chagos Expedition
The Chagos archipelago is a rare haven for marine biodiversity. Hear from the team about our projects to protect the environments in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
Asia Conservation Programme
ZSL works across Asia, from the famous national parks of Nepal to marine protected areas in the Philippines. Read the latest updates on our conservation.
Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation
An Open Access journal for research at the interface of remote sensing, ecology and conservation.
