Rebecca Biddle

Rebecca Biddle is chief conservation officer of Twycross Zoo, a role she has held since October 2024. At the zoo, she leads its global conservation efforts, overseeing the animal, veterinary, education, conservation and science teams.

“With one million species threatened with extinction due to human activities, zoos have a vital role to play in both protecting species, and in engaging their visitors and communities to support conservation efforts,” Biddle said.

“We are a science-led zoo and conservation is at the heart of everything we do. I look forward to continuing this vital work and enhancing the impact we can have both locally and on a global scale.”

Since joining Twycross Zoo in 2021, Biddle has been instrumental in shaping its conservation plan and helping it meet its conservation targets. With 17 years’ experience in the international zoo sector, she is recognised for her expertise in population management and conservation education.

"At a time when the role of modern zoos is under greater scrutiny than ever, Biddle is helping redefine what it means to be a modern conservation organisation, and what it means to be a leader in this field. Her influence is strategic, thoughtful and truly impactful," said one nominator.

When Twycross Zoo launched a new conservation strategy in 2023, Biddle said: “Right now, one million animal and plant species are on the brink of extinction.”

One of the UK’s top zoos, Twycross Zoo is home to hundreds of animals from around 70 different species. It welcomes about 600,000 visitors a year to its 100-acre site.