Lewis Rowden
Conservation Science Manager
Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary
Lewis Rowden is conservation science manager at Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary in the UK, where he leads work to advance animal welfare, research and evidence-based practice. He is committed to ensuring scientific evidence informs animal care, conservation initiatives and decision-making across the zoo sector.
Previously, Rowden spent more than eight years at the Zoological Society of London.
He led multidisciplinary teams working across London and Whipsnade Zoos, covering animal welfare, nutrition, behaviour management and zoo-based research. His work helped strengthen the links between scientific research, animal management and species conservation.
Rowden also plays an influential role in sector-wide collaboration through the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). As chair of its Research Committee, he works to strengthen connections between zoos, aquariums, researchers and professional associations.
He established the BIAZA Research Support Fund to make research opportunities more accessible, enabling institutions of different sizes to contribute to the evidence base for animal welfare and conservation.
Internationally, Rowden serves on the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Research Committee and as research advisor to the Cattle and Camelid Taxon Advisory Group.
A passionate advocate for accessible science, Rowden supports students, zoo professionals and researchers through mentoring, lectures and workshops.
His collaborative approach helps translate scientific knowledge into practical improvements in animal care and conservation, strengthening research and evidence-based practice across the zoo and aquarium community.
