David Field has been CEO of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland since 2020. His previous roles include chief executive of the Zoological Society of East Anglia, zoological director of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), curator of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, and assistant director of Dublin Zoo.
As an honorary professor of the Royal Veterinary College, Field has served as chair of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria (BIAZA) and is the current president of the Association of British and Irish Wild Animal Keepers (ABWAK), vice president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), chairs the WAZA Population Management Committee and represents WAZA as the Reverse the Red co-chair.
“For me, the zoo is one of the most democratic and one of the most open and equalising of organisations. We can give a real opportunity to everyone to experience nature. It is my ambition for us to become the most accessible and inclusive visitor zoo in the country, in the world, so that everybody, without exception, has the opportunity to experience nature,” David Field told blooloop.
On conservation, he added: “The IUCN recognises good zoos for their conservation objectives, their conservation mission, and what they can provide. We are in this biodiversity crisis side by side. All of us who are working in so many different realms, as far as conservation is concerned, need to put our slight differences aside and come together because deep down, we all care about animals.”
One nominator said: “Field is the perfect blend of visionary and implementer. He can see the changes that need to be made and can mobilize people to make it happen. He is fun, creative, and thoughtful, and a joy to work with. David has worked diligently to create global scale change for zoos and aquariums and he continues to leverage whatever influence he has to do so.”