RZSS Young Conservationist of the Year awarded to SRUC student

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has announced the winner of its Young Conservationist of the Year Award 2026. Ollie Kwan, a student at Scotland's Rural College Oatridge (SRUC), won the wildlife conservation charity’s award for his voluntary work with Edinburgh Zoo.  

The award was presented by RZSS CEO David Field during a unique ceremony held inside the zoo’s capybara habitat. Field recognised Ollie's dedication to the charity’s mission while surrounded by the South American animals.  

He added: “Ollie’s enthusiasm and passion for wildlife has been infectious and through his work he has inspired children and young people to protect, value and love nature”

Since 2025, Ollie has supported events and outdoor learning programmes at Edinburgh Zoo, including Summer School and year-round sessions such as the Conservation Action Team (CAT) and RZSS Wild Learning.  

The Young Conservationist of the Year Award allows RZSS to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of young people and their contribution to the natural world.