Jim Mackie is an animal training and behaviour officer at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). He joined as ZSL’s first animal training and behaviour officer in 2012 after demonstrating the value of trained behaviours to improve husbandry and welfare in the zoo’s living collections. While working as part of ZSL’s animal display department, Mackie realised that the techniques associated with training animals for demonstrations could be transferred to the whole living collection.
Mackie has worked for ZSL for nearly 25 years, and has contributed to the care and welfare of countless animals across a wide range of taxonomic groups. Beyond his work at ZSL’s London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, Mackie has contributed to several species recovery programmes. These include in-country field programmes such as supporting the management of the Asiatic lion in India, as well as UK species projects with Natural England.
“This drive for innovative ideas and collaboration is central to Jim’s work. He has established strong links with partners across the globe that bring innovative behaviour management principles to many audiences, with numerous benefits to associated animals,” said a nominator.
Jim Mackie also founded the BIAZA Animal Behaviour and Training Working Group and is a member of the EAZA Animal Training Working Group. He organises conferences and workshops, providing CPD and coaching sessions across multiple zoos. One of his more recent successes was to drive the creation of a practitioner course with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council. This has enabled a formalised accreditation process for zookeepers and aquarists for the first time in the UK.
“His contributions and expertise are recognised across the globe, with invites to present keynote presentations and run workshops at conferences across continents,” the nominator added.