For over two centuries, women have been at the heart of conservation, challenging norms, advancing science, and protecting the natural world. At ZSL’s Breaking Barriers: Women in Wildlife Wild Talks event, this legacy took centre stage, celebrating both the pioneers who shaped the organisation’s history and the leaders driving conservation forward today. From early trailblazers like Sophia Raffles to influential figures such as Joan Procter and Dame Georgina Mace, women have consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in zoology and conservation. Their contributions (often overlooked in their time) have laid the foundation for a more inclusive and impactful future. ZSL’s 200-year history is rich with stories of women who broke through societal and professional barriers. These were scientists, storytellers, zookeepers, and conservationists who refused to accept limits. Their work not only expanded our understanding of wildlife but also redefined who gets to participate in science.

The evening was hosted by Lucy Cooke, who is a British zoologist, author, and broadcaster known for brilliant ability to bring science to life with humour, curiosity, and a fresh perspective. We have crossed paths a few times in the past because of our shared love for frogs. Lucy has built a career that blends rigorous scientific understanding with engaging storytelling. Her work often challenges traditional narratives about the natural world, particularly when it comes to the role of females in evolution and animal behaviour. Nowhere is this more apparent than as an author, Cooke has gained international recognition for her bold and thought-provoking books. Her New York Times bestselling work Bitch: A Revolutionary Guide to Sex, Evolution and the Female Animal re-examines long-held assumptions in biology, shining a light on the often-overlooked power and complexity of female animals. The book was widely acclaimed and named one of the best books of 2022 by The Telegraph, cementing her reputation as a leading voice in modern science communication. This means that Lucy was the perfect person to host this evening, demonstrating the contributions of women at ZSL over the past 200 years.

At the event, Bicentenary Project Manager Tina Campanella highlighted these often untold stories, bringing long-overdue recognition to the women who helped shape ZSL. Her work underscores a crucial truth: representation matters, not just for fairness, but for inspiring future generations to follow in these footsteps. Before joining ZSL, Tina built a strong foundation in journalism, working across several leading national titles. In that fast-paced and competitive industry, she developed a sharp editorial eye and a deep understanding of how to tell human-centred stories that capture attention and spark conversation. So who were these women that Tina introduced us all to? The first was Sophia Raffles, who played an important yet often under-recognised role in the early history of the Zoological Society of London. As the wife of Sir Stamford Raffles, she was closely involved in the intellectual and social circles that led to the Society’s founding in 1826. While women of her time were excluded from formal scientific institutions, Sophia’s influence was felt behind the scenes, particularly through her support of her husband’s vision for a zoological society dedicated to the study and preservation of animals. Her interest in natural history and her engagement with the scientific community helped create an environment in which such an संस्था could take shape. Sophia’s legacy lies not only in her proximity to the Society’s origins but also in what she represents: the many women whose contributions to science were indirect, uncredited, or overshadowed. In the context of ZSL’s history, she stands as an early example of the invisible labour that helped sustain scientific progress.

Next was Elizabeth Gould, who was a highly skilled natural history illustrator whose work made a lasting contribution to 19th-century zoology. Best known for her detailed and accurate depictions of birds, she worked closely with her husband, John Gould, producing illustrations that were essential to scientific publications of the time. Although not formally credited as often as her male counterparts, Elizabeth’s illustrations were widely respected for their precision and artistic quality, helping scientists and the public alike better understand newly discovered species. Her connection to the Zoological Society of London came through the scientific networks and publications that the Society supported and promoted. The kind of visual documentation she produced was vital to zoological research in an era before photography, and her work complemented the growing body of knowledge that institutions like ZSL sought to build. Elizabeth’s impact lies in how she helped bridge art and science, ensuring that biodiversity could be recorded, shared, and appreciated in ways that advanced both research and public engagement.

Then came Joan Procter, who was one of the most remarkable zoologists of the early 20th century and a pioneering figure within the Zoological Society of London. Specialising in reptiles and amphibians, she became Curator of Reptiles at the London Zoo at a remarkably young age. Her expertise challenged widespread fears and misconceptions about reptiles, and she played a key role in transforming how these animals were studied and displayed. Procter was also instrumental in designing the Zoo’s Reptile House, ensuring that it reflected both scientific understanding and the welfare needs of the animals. Despite chronic ill health, Procter’s contributions were extraordinary in both scope and influence. She published significant scientific papers, earned recognition from leading zoologists, and helped legitimise herpetology as a serious field of study. Within ZSL, her legacy is particularly strong, she not only advanced research but also reshaped public attitudes toward reptiles. If you’d like to learn more about these inspiring women in the history of ZSL, as well as some others I haven’t mentioned, then you can read more here.

While the past provides inspiration, the present showcases action. Today’s conservation challenges are complex, global, and deeply intertwined with human communities, and women are at the forefront of tackling them. Dr Heidi Ma’s research exemplifies this intersection of science and collaboration. Working across species from the Hainan gibbon to the Yangtze finless porpoise, her work focuses on regions where strong scientific evidence can directly influence policy. By building networks like the UK-China Conservation network, she’s helping bridge gaps between research, resources, and real-world impact. Women’s input is essential to conservation programmes because they often hold unique knowledge about local environments, resources, and community dynamics. In many parts of the world, women are primary users and managers of natural resources, collecting water, gathering food, and maintaining agricultural systems, giving them first-hand insight into environmental change and sustainability. Ignoring these perspectives can lead to conservation strategies that are incomplete or ineffective. When women are included in decision-making, programmes are more likely to reflect the realities of daily life, resulting in solutions that are practical, culturally appropriate, and more widely adopted within communities.

Similarly, Olivia Wilson-Holt’s work addresses one of conservation’s most pressing challenges: human-wildlife conflict. By supporting projects across Africa and Asia, she champions solutions that are not only effective but also grounded in local knowledge and community needs. Her approach reflects a broader shift in conservation, away from top-down models and toward inclusive, community-driven strategies. Dr Lucy Archer continues this theme through her focus on equity and inclusion. Her work recognises that conservation cannot succeed without the voices and rights of local communities. Through ZSL’s FAIRER conservation programme, she is helping reshape how projects are designed and implemented, ensuring they are collaborative, ethical, and sustainable. Equally important is the broader perspective women bring to conservation leadership and policy. Studies have shown that diverse teams tend to make better, more balanced decisions, and this holds true in environmental work. Women are often strong advocates for collaboration, long-term thinking, and community engagement, all critical components of successful conservation. By ensuring women’s voices are heard, organisations can design initiatives that not only protect biodiversity but also support livelihoods and social equity. In this way, gender inclusion is not just a matter of fairness; it is a strategic advantage that strengthens the overall impact and sustainability of conservation efforts.

Beyond celebrating achievements, Breaking Barriers: Women in Wildlife also looked ahead. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with female Trustees and learn about governance within ZSL, an important reminder that leadership in conservation extends beyond fieldwork and research. The message was clear: progress doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional support, inclusive structures, and a commitment to empowering diverse voices at every level. Conservation is no longer just about protecting species, it’s about sustaining ecosystems, supporting communities, and navigating a rapidly changing world. Diverse perspectives are not a luxury; they are essential. The women highlighted in this event (past and present) demonstrate what’s possible when barriers are broken. Their work is not only preserving biodiversity but also reshaping the future of conservation itself. As ZSL moves into its next century, one thing is certain: women will continue to lead the way. You can watch the event for yourself below, enjoy!

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