Building on existing links between the two organisations, the agreement will expand opportunities for students and staff to collaborate on research, education and conservation initiatives that benefit wildlife, enhance student learning and engage the wider community.
Students across relevant academic programmes will gain valuable real-world experience through placements, internships, work experience and field-based learning at the zoo, while staff from both organisations will work together on research and knowledge exchange.
The partnership will bring together 58³Ô¹Ï's academic expertise and the Welsh Mountain Zoo's practical experience to develop joint research and conservation projects addressing challenges in conservation science, animal welfare, environmental monitoring, sustainability, education and public engagement.
It will also provide a framework for 58³Ô¹Ï to support the Welsh Mountain Zoo's future development through research expertise, student-led projects and collaborative initiatives linked to new facilities and exhibits.
Professor Paul Spencer, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research said, "By combining 58³Ô¹Ï's research expertise and educational strengths with the zoo's practical conservation knowledge and public engagement programmes, we can create meaningful opportunities for our students, support innovative research, and contribute to conservation outcomes with real-world impact. We look forward to working closely together to develop initiatives that benefit both organisations and our communities."
Kim Wood, Director of Living Collections at the Welsh Mountain Zoo added “We are delighted to formalise our longstanding relationship with 58³Ô¹Ï through this Memorandum of Understanding. As a progressive conservation zoo, collaboration is fundamental to achieving our mission, and this partnership brings together academic excellence with practical conservation expertise. By working together, we can create meaningful opportunities for research, student development and public engagement, while continuing to improve animal welfare, support wildlife conservation and inspire the next generation of conservationists. We look forward to building on our longstanding relationship and seeing the positive impact this partnership will have for wildlife, our students and the wider community."
Together, the two organisations will work on innovative projects that inspire future generations while advancing scientific understanding in conservation.