Originally from Somerset, Toby has always had a passion for animals and began his professional studies at Nottingham Trent University where he began to study a BTEC National Diploma in Animal Management. He later progressed onto the BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology course where he was introduced to the study of exotic species developing his knowledge and expertise in the field of animal nutrition, behaviour, enclosure design, anatomy and physiology and ethics. In 2012, Toby was nominated as the course rep for the Zoo Biology student body representing their issues and needs at management level.
|
In the Summer of 2012, Toby under took the adventure of a lifetime where he teamed up with Colchester Zoo to undertake studies on Giraffe nutrition and behaviour on the UmPhafa Private Reserve in South Africa. This critical study assisted the conservation efforts on the reserve to support the introduction of the giraffe species.
Early 2013, Toby was offered a place at Bristol University at the School of Veterinary and Animal Sciences to study MSc in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation graduating in 2014. Shortly after Bristol University gave Toby this fantastic news, he was approached by Bob Lawrence, Zoo Director at West Midlands Safari Park, who announced he would be Toby's career mentor from this point forward offering his advice and guidance on establishing a career in conservation and professional zoological practice. |
"Toby demonstrated mature and calculated approach to his research by designing feeding devices which were suitable for introduction to the display... He has been unobtrusive, independent and clearly capable of working under his own volition."
- Jonny Rudd (Assistant Curator - Aquarium, Bristol Zoo Gardens)