Trailblazers & Pioneers: 200 Years of Wildlife Science

Explore how pioneering science has transformed conservation over the past two centuries—and how it continues to shape the future.

From Darwin to today’s conservation leaders, join the first of our Wild Talks events and discover how our relationship with nature has evolved - and how ZSL has been at the heart of scientific breakthroughs for two centuries. Take a look back at the pioneers who changed how we understand animals, and the projects shaping the future of conservation.

From historical insights into ZSL’s rich scientific heritage, to looking at the impactful projects of today, our panel of speakers will showcase groundbreaking achievements that have positioned ZSL as a leader in the scientific and conservation community. Through presentations, panel discussions and audience Q&A, this event will demonstrate how we have worked for the benefit of wildlife for 200 years, and how we work with partners, communities, policy makers and practitioners to build a world where wildlife thrives.

Hosted by Dr Adam Rutherford, scientist, writer and broadcaster

Adam Rutherford is a scientist, writer and broadcaster. He's a lecturer at UCL, where he teaches genetics, evolution, eugenics, and science communication. He has made many documentaries for the BBC, including the top-rated podcast The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry with mathematician Hannah Fry, and is the presenter of Start The Week on BBC Radio 4. Adam is a Sunday Times bestselling author as well, his books including A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived, and How to Argue With a Racist.

Speakers

Isobel Charman, author of The Zoo: The Wild and Wonderful Tale of the Founding of London Zoo

Isobel is an award-winning television producer. She has spent the last decade working in factual documentary production as a writer, researcher, producer and director and has worked on award-winning films for UK, European and US broadcasters. For The Zoo she made unprecedented use of the vast archives at ZSL.

Dr Ben Tapley, Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, ZSL

Ben's work contributes to improving our knowledge of reptiles and amphibians, so we can take evidence-based conservation action and recover populations of threatened species. He collaborates and exchanges skills and knowledge with conservation biologists all over the world, particularly with EDGE Fellows and colleagues working in ex situ conservation. Ben led the first-ever captive breeding of the Critically Endangered Lake Oku frog, and the rescue and successful breeding of Darwin’s frogs after a devastating disease outbreak.

Professor Heather Koldewey, Head of the Bertarelli Marine Science Programme, ZSL

Heather joined ZSL 32 years ago this week - initially as a postdoctoral research scientist, then Curator of London Zoo Aquarium, Head of Marine and Freshwater Conservation and now as Head of Ocean and FAIRER Conservation. Heather is also an Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter and National Geographic Explorer. Heather will talk about Project Seahorse - ZSL’s longest term marine conservation project which she co-founded 30 years ago. She will share how research on these quirky fishes led to tackling some of the biggest issues facing coastal marine ecosystems, from unsustainable fisheries to global wildlife trade and policy change. 

Professor Rosie Woodroffe, Institute of Zoology, ZSL

Rosie is a Professor in ZSL's Institute of Zoology, where her research falls at the interface of conservation biology, disease ecology, and animal behaviour. Rosie works in close collaboration with the National Farmers Union on a farmer-led project in Cornwall, exploring the effectiveness and practicality of scaled-up, industry delivered, badger vaccination as part of a comprehensive bovine tuberculosis eradication strategy. Rosie also conducts research in the rangelands of northern Kenya to develop sustainable tools to protect wild dog populations from disease-induced extinction.

Watch the recording