Jo Judge

Jo Judge has been CEO of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) since 2021. BIAZA works with leading zoos and aquariums in Britain and Ireland to promote excellence in animal welfare, conservation, education and research, and influence policy. As CEO, Judge draws on experience of working with a wide range of partners to achieve shared objectives, and offers a unified voice for the sector.

Before joining the association, Judge served as CEO of the National Biodiversity Network. From 2006 to 20016, she was a wildlife biologist for the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), where she led research projects and advised internal and external stakeholders, as well as government policy. She has also worked for Defra and Central Science Laboratory, and was awarded a PhD in Wildlife Disease Ecology and an MRes in Ecology and Environmental Management from the University of York.

Judge is co-chair of the IUCN NCUK Species Survival Working Group and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) associations committee. She is also a trustee of Wild Welfare, an international charity that works to improve the welfare of animals in captivity worldwide.

One person who nominated Judge says: “Under Jo’s leadership, BIAZA has strengthened its voice in national policy, advocating for science-based animal welfare standards and biodiversity protection. She has been instrumental in uniting member institutions around a shared vision of environmental responsibility, including the development of climate action frameworks and sustainability benchmarks that are now influencing global best practice.

“Jo’s collaborative approach has fostered partnerships across academia and government, amplifying the impact of zoo-based conservation and research. Her commitment to inclusivity and public engagement has helped reshape perceptions of zoos, positioning them as vital contributors to the planet’s future.

“In a time of global ecological crisis, Jo’s leadership exemplifies the values of integrity, innovation, and impact. Her influence extends beyond BIAZA, inspiring professionals across the sector to think boldly and act decisively.”