Craig Thorburn is the founder and director of Craig Thorburn Consulting Limited, a consultancy firm established in July 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. The firm specialises in supporting the development of exhibits at zoos and aquariums, providing due diligence for acquisitions, and advising on animal welfare programs.
Thorburn has over 30 years of experience in the aquarium industry. His previous roles include regional curator for SEA LIFE in the Asia-Pacific region and curator at Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World. He is also a trustee for the Kelly Tarlton Marine Wildlife Trust and contributes to the Waiheke Marine Project. His work spans multiple countries, and he is recognised for his leadership in marine conservation and habitat recovery initiatives.
Craig Thorburn Consulting Limited provides expertise in these areas, combining a commitment to marine biology and a passion for sustainable, impactful initiatives.
The Turtle Rehabilitation Centre at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium cares for stranded sea turtles, addressing threats like boat strikes, plastic ingestion, and entanglement. Under his guidance, the centre has successfully rehabilitated numerous turtles, contributing to the conservation of these endangered species.
“Craig’s extensive contributions to marine conservation and education, particularly through his work in New Zealand, make him a standout candidate for this recognition,” said one nominator. “Craig Thorburn has dedicated his career to the preservation and restoration of marine ecosystems. As a trustee of Kelly Tarlton’s Marine Wildlife Trust and the Waiheke Marine Project, Craig has led initiatives that have significantly impacted marine conservation efforts in the Hauraki Gulf/Tikapa Moana.
“His work engages communities in marine restoration projects, such as translocating and planting seaweeds, managing kina populations, and monitoring keystone species like kōura (crayfish).”
Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in various large aquariums across the Asia-Pacific region, including the build of the Melbourne Aquarium in 1999.