Lizzy Humphries

Lizzy Humphries is a senior keeper at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo (BPCZ) in London, England. Committed to conservation and animal welfare, Humphries “has been an unstoppable force, seeing the urgent need to address the issues at the intersection of social media, conservation and zoo operations”, said one person who nominated her.

Humphries pioneered the Share Savvy campaign, which “will have real world impact, discouraging social media imagery that is fuelling the illegal wildlife trade, and helping conserve species including otters and primates”, they added.

Since being promoted to senior keeper at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo in early 2022, Humphries has become a key member of the team. She has played a crucial role in training new keepers and volunteers, setting better standards across the animal department. Her expertise in animal training for husbandry and welfare has resulted in the implementation of a new training programme, allowing all animal keepers to take ownership of specific species’ training.

“I feel so lucky to work with such a wide range of species. In most zoos, you have to specialise but here we get to work with every species. Being a smaller zoo means that we develop really strong relationships with all of our animals, and this gives an amazing sense of community between us as keepers and the animals,” Humphries says.

Earlier this year, Humphries was named runner-up in the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Woman of the Year Awards.

“We are incredibly proud of Lizzy and her achievements,” said Jamie Baker, animal manager of Battersea Park Children’s Zoo. “Her dedication to animal welfare and conservation, coupled with her innovative approach to training and education, makes her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. We are incredibly lucky to have Lizzy as a member of the BPCZ family.”