International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration on March 8 every year and is an excellent opportunity to highlight the many achievements of women, along with key areas where progress is still needed. 

Sarah Gedman is Curator of Primates at Bristol Zoological Society, and has been nominated for BIAZA’s (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Woman of the Year Award 2025. A fantastic colleague and leader, Sarah oozes dedication, passion and commitment, fostering wonderful collaborations industry-wide as we work together to protect some of the world’s most threatened species. Here, Sarah shares more about her career and role with the Society, as well as advice for women looking to get into the conservation and animal care industry. 

Sarah, tell us a bit about yourself and your career, as well as what led you to work with animals.

I have always loved animals and volunteered for conservation initiatives from an early age, restoring local habitats to promote biodiversity. 

My undergraduate studies were in psychology where I was introduced to the discipline of animal behaviour and was lucky enough to do my undergraduate thesis on discrimination learning in capuchin monkeys.

The rest, as they say, is history. Once I discovered primates they became my passion; learning about their social structures, behaviours and why so many species are regretfully at risk of extinction.

I followed on to a MSc in Primate Conservation and then worked in the field, witnessing in situ (in the wild) conservation efforts in action.

After returning from the field I volunteered at Durell Wildlife Conservation Trust, who offered me my first paid job with animals!

I returned home to Bristol when Bristol Zoo Project opened and was lucky enough to be part of their original animal team. It was a fantastic opportunity to build a zoo! Eventually, I transitioned to Bristol Zoo Gardens as team leader of large mammals.

I have been at the Society for over a decade and am now lucky enough to be in the position of being a mammal curator!

Photo Caption: Sarah as Team Leader at Bristol Zoo Gardens

What is your role at Bristol Zoological Society and what does an average day look like?

As a mammal curator, with a specialism in primates, my day typically involves overseeing the running of the Primate Team and managing the Society’s collection of primates.

An average day starts with working with the animals; cleaning and feeding the gorillas, lemurs or gelada baboons, as well as checking in with my team of wonderful keepers.

My role is multifaceted and incorporates ensuring the animal department operates smoothly, animal habitats are maintained to the highest standard and guaranteeing our guests have a fantastic experience when they visit!

I am lucky enough to participate in projects and initiatives that drive the Society towards our mission of being a conservation-focused zoo. The designing and planning of our hugely anticipated new African Forest habitat, which will be home to our gorilla family and a troop of cherry-crowned mangabey, is something I am excited to be a part of.

I also work within the wider zoo community. I lecture for local schools, colleges and university students. I am a co-chair of the BIAZA Primate Working Group and a member of the Great Ape Welfare Group, helping to facilitate best practice for primates in UK zoos. Furthermore, our primate collection are participants of European Endangered Species Programmes, that take a responsible role in supporting conservation breeding to promote sustainable captive populations.

Photo Caption: Park Ranger at a primate sanctuary in South Africa

What have been some of your greatest achievements while working with Bristol Zoological Society?

It is impossible to talk about achievements in isolation as all are realised by the co-ordinated efforts of my colleagues.

Highlights of my career while at the Society must include watching our gorilla troop evolve during my time with them. Having a dynamic family group of eight gorillas, across multiple generations, is a fantastic achievement. Witnessing four gorilla infants being born and raised has been an unbelievable honour.

Any infant born at the zoo is a gift, however it is all the more precious when it is a species that is endangered, such as our Alaotran gentle lemurs, that will contribute to strengthening the genetic diversity of their captive population.

Watching Bristol Zoo Project develop over the last 10 years, since day one when we opened the doors to welcome our first guests, to the thriving conservation zoo it is today, has been amazing. It makes me proud to still be a part of it.

Can you think of any difficult moments in your career that you would be happy to share?

Working as an animal keeper is often referred to as a vocation. This is because it takes huge amounts of energy, time and commitment. The most difficult time in my career is when I became a mother. Maintaining a role in the care sector when you have your own little ape at home to look after can be challenging. This juggle can mean women’s careers in zookeeping are too often cut short. I was supported by the Society and my wonderfully understanding team and am thankful to continue doing the job I love while being a mum.

What do you love most about your job?

I love to just watch the animals. If I can find 10 minutes to just observe the animals enjoying their habitats and family life, that is the best part of my day!

I love to watch my team succeed. I consider it a job well done if a member of my team has a win, big or small. It is a privilege to help them achieve whatever success is to them.

How does it feel to be nominated for BIAZA’s Woman of the Year 2025?

Surprised! But extremely grateful. There are so many fantastic women working in British zoos and aquariums, to be considered one of them is unexpected!

Do you think women are well-represented in the zoo and conservation sector?

Yes, I think women are well represented in zoos and conservation. I work alongside, and have been inspired and mentored by many women throughout my career.

Do you have any advice for women looking to gain experience and find a career in this industry?

Being an animal keeper is inclusive to all as it involves so many different skills. Keepers not only look after the animals, but maintain their habitats, educate our guests, conduct research and collect and record data.

Volunteering at an animal collection is the best way to get hands-on experience and see if the job is for you. Support this with a college course, degree or postgraduate studies.

Photo Caption: Sarah as a volunteer at Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust, Zambia

What do you hope for the future, whether that is within your role, Bristol Zoological Society, BIAZA, or for women all around the world?

I would hope that all roles within zoos, at every level, are representative of the number of women within the industry as a whole.

You can find out more about BIAZA Woman of the Year 2025 awards here and find out about the different ways you can support the Society below.