Alumnus testimonial
Thomas - Assistant Zoological Affairs, GaiaZOO
Thomas is the Assistant Zoological Affairs at GaiaZOO, where his passion lies in ensuring that animals are housed under optimal conditions. To achieve this, he conducts extensive research on topics such as animal housing, genetics, and nutrition. His findings are translated into practical guidelines, helping other zoos adopt optimal practices for the care and well-being of their animals.
I am really satisfied with my job as it allows me to have a direct impact on the housing and protection of (endangered) animal species.
From nature walks to conservation
“I have always wanted to make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals. As a child, I spent countless hours in nature, such as exploring the Veluwe with my father in search of wild boars and various bird species. It was during those adventures that I became aware of how poorly many animal species are conserved in the Netherlands. I realized that I wanted to make a difference for these species, so when the study of Animal Sciences crossed my path, it felt like the perfect opportunity to turn my passion into action.”
Academic adventures in wildlife species
“The focus of my BSc thesis was on the migration patterns of great tits. I became really interested in conservation, behaviour, and genetics, so I focused on these topics during my Master’s in Animal Sciences. During the Master’s, I combined the chair groups Animal Breeding & Genetics with Behavioural Ecology. My MSc thesis focused on the Waldrapp Ibis, an endangered bird species in Europe that lives in dry climates surrounded by mountains. In collaboration with GaiaZOO, I explored whether the partner choice of the Waldrapp Ibis is influenced more by genetic compatibility or phenotypic preferences. Results showed that the birds had no specific preference for genetically optimal mates.”
“As the collaboration with GaiaZOO was mutually successful, I was offered an internship on an urgent challenge. Within the EAZA springbok population, an increase in mortality was noted, but they were unsure of the underlying cause. Therefore, I examined what the underlying cause could be. During my data research, I looked into their housing conditions and diets to find out whether these factors were correlated with the decline. The outcome was that in the past only a small group springboks had been transported to Europe. This resulted in a genetic bottleneck and consequently in significant inbreeding. Additionally, I found that the zoo’s diet formulation, based on general livestock guidelines, was suboptimal for the springboks. I wrote recommendations to improve the genetic diversity and provided guidelines on diet adjustments to better meet the springbok’ needs.”
A day at work as assistant zoological affairs
“After my internship, I was employed as the Assistant Zoological Affairs at GaiaZOO. My role involves a variety of tasks. I make genetic calculations of studbooks at a molecular level. As breed management not only entails a genetic part, I also make sure that animals are able to express their natural behaviour by adjusting the housing conditions. At GaiaZOO, we prioritize creating environments that allow animals to express natural behaviours, intending to educate the public about the uniqueness of the species. This should eventually lead to restoring and protecting their wild counterparts. Additionally, I am responsible for animal transport. I also continue to conduct in-house research, thereby guiding students and interns. To give an example, I investigate the health of the flamingo population at the zoo. I take pictures of the soles of their feet and monitor their diets and housing temperature. Consequently, the data is used in a mathematical model to find a correlation between the housing conditions and the severity of the wounds. The purpose is to chart the progress so that I can write recommendations on the housing conditions for flamingo populations at zoos.”
Making an impact for zoo and wild conservation
“Currently, I am really satisfied with my job as it allows me to have a direct impact on the housing and protection of (endangered) animal species. I enjoy that I can improve the well-being of not only animals kept in zoos but also in the wild. By performing research on what captive animals require, I can expand my knowledge on animal keeping and bridge the existing gaps in our knowledge.”
Take home message
“During my studies at WUR, I did not only spend time on campus, as I was also an active member of study association De Veetelers. I was part of many committees and I was president of Bestia Turba Ferina, the sub-association that focuses on non-production animals. Besides that, I joined the student association SSR-W. I got to know a lot of people with different backgrounds and interests, something I find very valuable. My advice to students is to engage in a variety of activities, also outside their field of study, as networking plays a crucial role in your career. You will meet people who will shape your career path, and by prioritizing networking, you will be one step ahead of those who do not. Throughout my studies, I learned much from my professors, and their guidance has been instrumental in shaping who I am today.”