Hartpury University Professor Vicky Melfi and PhD student Alice Doyle recently represented the institution at the Annual Meeting of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), held in Łódź, Poland. The prestigious event brought together global leaders in zoo and aquarium research, conservation, and animal welfare.
Alice presented her PhD research within the Raptor Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) session, delivering a talk on “Health and Welfare of Vultures in European Zoos.” She also showcased a poster entitled “Mortality and morbidity of zoo-housed vultures globally: using historical records to understand health outcomes.” Alongside her doctoral research, Alice contributed to the Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research (JZAR) in her role as Assistant Editor.
Professor Melfi, who is also JZAR’s Managing Editor and a member of the EAZA Research Committee, shared insights from her internationally recognised conservation and zoo-based research. Her talks included “Selamatkan Yaki: Become a #YakiSaver” to the Afro-Eurasian Primate TAG, highlighting her conservation work in Indonesia, and “Exploring public perceptions of animal–visitor interactions in BIAZA zoos” within the Research Committee session, summarising research on human-animal interactions in zoos.
Together, Professor Melfi and Alice also delivered training, hosted editorial board meetings, and ran a dedicated JZAR stand at the conference, giving delegates the opportunity to meet the editorial team, access training, and learn more about publishing their work.
Professor Melfi said: “This was an important opportunity to share Hartpury’s expertise with an international audience of conservationists, researchers, and practitioners. Both Alice and I were proud to represent Hartpury at such a high-profile event, as well as to support the work of JZAR in advancing research across the sector.”
Alice Doyle added: “It was fantastic to present my PhD research to colleagues across Europe, and to contribute to discussions that will help shape the future of animal health and welfare in zoos.”
Hartpury University offers a world-class portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate animal degrees, designed to prepare students for careers across conservation, welfare, behaviour, and human-animal interaction. Research is embedded throughout many of the programmes, with opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge projects. From assisting with live research studies to presenting at conferences, Hartpury University students are empowered to develop the skills, confidence, and professional networks that will enable them to shape the future of the animal sector.
