Shaping global conservation through zoo and aquarium leadership
Explore Lauren’s journey from MSc Zoo Conservation Biology graduate to leader in European conservation associations
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A Name: Lauren Florisson
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. Course: MSc Zoo Conservation Biology
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H Year of graduation: 2016
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Current role: Animal Programmes and Conservation Coordinator at the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)
The most transformative part of my Master's degree was the network I was exposed to, which I still work within today. It opened my eyes to the diversity of roles in zoos and aquariums and the importance of collaboration for animal welfare and conservation.
Building confidence and experience
Studying at Plymouth gave me hands-on experience at Paignton Zoo, as well as exposure to a diverse international network of conservation professionals. The MSc programme in Zoo Conservation Biology not only strengthened my scientific knowledge but also showed me how my research could have a real-world impact.
My Master's thesis explored general attitudes towards euthanasia, deepening my understanding of the ethical and emotional challenges surrounding this sensitive issue and its continued relevance today.
Conservation leadership in action
I am currently the Animal Programmes and Conservation Coordinator at the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and a Support Coordinator at the European Union of Aquarium Curators (EUAC), based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
I am proud to work with a passionate community of professionals dedicated to animal welfare and conservation. Since transitioning into aquarium association work, I have contributed to workshops, taxon advisory groups, conferences and global initiatives such as the SAFE Shark and Ray Conservation Programme.
I am also a member of the IUCN Freshwater Fish Specialist Group and was named one of the 50 top influencers in the zoo and aquarium community in 2025 by Blooloop.
Being asked for my input and expertise has been an unexpected honour and a highlight of my career. I truly believe I would not have reached this point without the MSc at Plymouth and the professional network it introduced me to.
Broadening horizons
Before my time at Plymouth, I completed a five-month placement at Taronga Zoo and worked with the Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association, which helped shape my early career.
Since graduation, I have travelled extensively to conferences and training events, further expanding my professional network and understanding of global conservation.
The MSc programme changed my outlook: I realised that my contribution to conservation could go beyond direct fieldwork and that desk-based work supporting zoos, aquariums and associations can have an equally powerful impact.
Inspired by Lauren's journey?
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