Our team
Dr Christoph Schwitzer, Head of Research
A biologist by training, Dr Christoph Schwitzer received his PhD in Zoology from the University of Cologne, Germany, for his study on the nutritional ecology of lemurs, which he conducted in several European zoos. He worked as part of the primatological research group at Cologne Zoo for several years and also co-coordinated the European Endangered Species Programme for Ruffed lemurs. In 2003 he took on the role of Programme Coordinator for the Association Européenne pour l’Etude et la Conservation des Lémuriens (AEECL) in northwest Madagascar, where he worked in a field research and conservation programme that has recently led to the creation of a new national park. Since August 2006 Christoph is Head of Research at BCSF, and since May 2007 he is also Executive Secretary of AEECL.
Christoph’s main research interests are the conservation ecology of lemurs in altered habitats as well as the nutritional ecology of frugivores. He is in charge of the ‘Research for Conservation’ Programme at BCSF and Bristol Zoo Gardens and is also supervising a number of PhD and MSc/DEA studies on the ecology of different critically endangered lemur species in north-western Madagascar.
Tel.: 0117 974 7358
Fax: 0117 973 6814
Email: cschwitzer@bristolzoo.org.uk
Dr Sue Dow, Research Officer
Sue Dow trained as a Zoologist at the University of Oxford and carried out a PhD at the University of Exeter on foraging and learning in pigeons. She has carried out research in Bristol on the biomechanics of bird flight and carried out investigations into tendon injuries and humane treatments for horses. She held a part-timer post at London Zoo where she set up a pilot environmental enrichment programme.
She has worked at Bristol Zoo Gardens since 1992 combining working on building projects and co-ordinating research projects carried out in the zoo. She is a member of the BIAZA Research Group.
Sue’s main research interests are in animal behaviour, the effects of enclosure design on the behavioural repertoire of captive animals, and environmental enrichment as a husbandry technique. She maintains an interest in optimal foraging and food selection, particularly in birds, in captive and semi-natural situations.
Sue is a part time Research Officer and is carrying out a longitudinal study of gorilla social dynamics.
Tel.: 0117 974 7304
Fax: 0117 973 6814
Email: sdow@bristolzoo.org.uk
Neil Maddison, Head of Conservation Programmes
Neil Maddison gained his first degree in Zoology at the University of Bristol and went on to work for several conservation charities before joining the Bristol, Clifton and West of England Zoological Society in 1997, initially as Development Manager. His experience in field conservation has led him to appreciate more fully the link between meeting people’s needs and wildlife conservation. He now specialises on working with communities to develop sustainable solutions whilst taking pressure off natural resources, looking for practical ways to support disadvantaged people in their development. These solutions often lead to an examination of the ‘business case’ for conservation, and creating new sources of revenue for local communities to find ‘win-win’ solutions for people and wildlife. Neil obtained his MBA from the University of the West of England, with a specialisation in pro-poor ecotourism. He is a Trustee of Ape Action Africa, an NGO working to address the commercial bushmeat trade in Africa and was previously a Trustee of the Hawk and Owl Trust. He is also currently a member of the Conservation Specialist Breeding Group and the Association of MBAs.
Mandy Leivers, Avon Gorge and Downs Biodiversity Education Officer
Mandy Leivers studied biological sciences at Birmingham University. During this time she discovered her passion for British wildlife and practical conservation. After graduating she spent nine years working for the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers before running a project to protect hedges and dry stone walls in Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. In 2000 she studied for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Bath University.Jen Nightingale, UK Conservation Officer
Jen Nightingale gained a degree in Zoology from the University of Bristol, a Masters in Wildlife Management and Conservation from Reading University and is a full member of the Institute of Ecological and Environmental Management. With extensive experience in the aquarium industry, from Vancouver Aquarium and European Sealife Centres, she became Curator of the Aquarium at Bristol Zoo Gardens in 1997 where she focused on a programme of extensive modernisation of exhibits, off show breeding facilities, infrastructure and educational themes.
During this time Jen also played a major role in two successful water vole reintroductions and extended this to establish the position of UK Conservation Officer within the BCSF. Within this current role Jen focuses on the conservation of UK species both in-and ex-situ and instigated the South West Crayfish Project, the largest white-clawed crayfish initiative in the UK. Jen is on the Steering Committee of the BIAZA native species focus group.
Maddy Rees, South West Crayfish Project Communication Officer
With an education and professional background in ecology and conservation Maddy has developed broad communication and education skills while working for the Wildlife Trusts in the UK and through her involvement with community based projects in Costa Rica and North America.
Maddy joined the team in 2009 as UK Communication and Conservation Officer and is actively involved with developing and implementing native species and habitat conservation projects. Her primary speciality is communications which includes promoting conservation work, developing community links and encouraging people to be inspired by, and involved in, conservation.
Nicola Davies, Higher Education and Research Administrator
Nicola Davies has a background in biological sciences and integrated wildlife conservation with a BSc from Cardiff University and Masters from Bristol University. She has worked previously as a higher education tutor and is interested in enhancing the role of zoos in research and higher education.
Nicola helped set up the Foundation Science Degree in Integrated Wildlife Conservation at Bristol Zoo Gardens in collaboration with the University of the West of England and Filton College. This course, launched in September 2010, has been specifically designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in wildlife conservation. Nicola also contributes to some of the teaching on the Foundation degree course, helps co-ordinate research projects carried out in the zoo, and has provided editorial assistance for Lemur News journal.
Tel.: 0117 974 7383
Email: ndavies@bristolzoo.org.uk
