RZSS Board and Fellows 2026
Posted 12 Jun 2026
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The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's 2026 AGM was an opportunity to reflect on another extraordinary year for the charity and the collective impact made possible by our members, supporters, staff, volunteers and partners. Guided by our vision of a world where nature is protected, valued and loved, 2025 saw major progress towards our goals to reverse species decline, connect more people with nature and empower communities to take action for wildlife.
Across Scotland and beyond, RZSS delivered important conservation milestones. From releasing 18 more wildcats into the Cairngorms and celebrating a second year of wild births, to supporting endangered species from flapper skates to Northern muriquis, our work continued to create meaningful impact for wildlife. Research breakthroughs, including new genetic insights into Northern rockhopper penguins and continued growth of the RZSS WildGenes Biobank, strengthened our ability to protect species both now and into the future.
At the same time we continued building stronger connections between people and nature. Record membership growth, increased accessibility initiatives, expanded community partnerships and hundreds of thousands of visits to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park demonstrated how both sites bring communities closer to nature. From young carers enjoying special days at the zoo to families attending our Giant Lanterns events, these achievements reflect the power of conservation when communities are placed at its heart.
Honouring Outstanding Contributions to Conservation, Research and Animal Care
This year’s AGM also celebrated individuals whose dedication and expertise have made exceptional contributions to conservation, research, animal welfare and public engagement through the awarding of Honorary Fellowships of RZSS.
Professor Simon Girling, former Head of Veterinary Services at RZSS, received recognition for his exceptional contributions to zoological medicine and animal welfare over more than 15 years with the charity. As RZSS’s first full-time veterinary surgeon, he played a central role in developing veterinary services across both Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, helping establish dedicated teams and enhancing preventative healthcare programmes that improved animal welfare standards across the organisation.
Professor Amanda Seed, Director of the Living Links to Human Evolution Research Centre at Edinburgh Zoo, was recognised for her outstanding contributions to research, education and public engagement. Since taking leadership of Living Links in 2016, she has helped transform the centre into one of RZSS’s most engaging and impactful visitor experiences, supporting pioneering work in primate cognition, behaviour and welfare while advancing the organisation’s wider research and engagement ambitions.
Professor Josep Call, Director of the Budongo Research Unit and research partner from the University of St Andrews, was honoured for his internationally recognised work in comparative psychology and primate cognition. A leading authority on chimpanzee behaviour, Professor Call has helped shape research infrastructure and collaborative programmes across multiple zoological institutions in Europe, strengthening opportunities for research, learning and conservation.
Welcoming New and Evolving Leadership on the Board
The AGM also marked several important developments within the RZSS Board, with new appointments and evolving leadership roles that will help guide the organisation through the next stage of its ambitious journey.
We were delighted to welcome Christopher Wright as a new Board Member. A Chartered Manager with more than 35 years experience with the John Lewis Partnership, Christopher brings extensive leadership, commercial and customer-focused expertise to the Board. Having supported RZSS through a previous secondment at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park and as a member of the Business Advisory Group, he joins with a long-standing connection to the organisation and a passion for wildlife conservation.
We also recognised the re-election of Dr Karen Blackport to the RZSS board. With a background spanning science, business and environmental sustainability, Karen brings decades of experience across research, innovation and biodiversity, alongside a lifelong connection with RZSS.
Meanwhile, Fiona Davis has also been re-elected and remains in the roles of Board Vice Chair, Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee, and Honorary Treasurer. Fiona’s extensive financial leadership experience, combined with her strong track record across the charity sector, will provide valuable support as RZSS continues to strengthen its impact and long-term sustainability.
Finally, former secretary of state for Scotland Michael Moore was appointed as the new president of the RZSS. Based in the Scottish Borders, Michael brings more than 40 years of experience in business, politics and community engagement to the wildlife conservation charity. He succeeds Ian Marchant, the former chairman of Thames Water, who has stepped down following ten years in the role.
Together, these appointments, alongside existing board members, bring valuable expertise and fresh perspectives that will support RZSS in delivering its vision of a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.
