Dr Sonja Luz is the CEO of Mandai Nature, a Singapore-based non-profit dedicated to biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia. Mandai Nature was established by the Mandai Wildlife Group, which manages Singapore’s five wildlife parks: the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and Rainforest Wild. The five parks, collectively called the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, are key to transforming the Mandai area into an integrated wildlife and nature precinct.
Dr Luz plays a crucial role in advancing conservation programs within zoo environments and in natural habitats across the region. Her work is highly collaborative, focusing on building partnerships to address critical conservation issues. Dr. Luz is involved in protecting endangered species while also advocating for broader conservation efforts. Under her leadership, Mandai Nature has supported over 40 projects, including species recovery programs and habitat restoration initiatives.
She emphasises integrating conservation, research, and community engagement to create sustainable outcomes. She believes in using zoos and wild conservation efforts to protect wildlife, ensuring immediate action and long-term sustainability.
Dr Luz has a vision for the future of zoos and their role in conservation. As a veterinarian by trade, Sonja takes a systematic and measurable impact approach to all her efforts. As the CEO of Mandai Nature, she has led a transformation of the Singapore Zoo’s conservation program into a leading global effort. She championed changing the old beliefs around zoological conservation into a vibrant, innovative, and collaborative global conservation partner.
“The Singapore Zoo’s conservation efforts through Mandai Nature are a global model for zoos,” said one nominator. “Dr Sonja Luz has a unique vision to see zoos and their passionate staff adapted to become conservation impact giants as we move from being participants to leaders and innovators, shaping the fields we are so passionate about. Sonja is a critical voice in this industry moving forward.”