Background

Craig Thorburn is the Head of Department – Merlin Animal Welfare and Development for the Merlin Entertainments Group facilities in Australia and New Zealand, Kelly Tarltons Sea Life Aquarium in NZ, The Melbourne Aquarium, Sydney Sea Life Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife, Manly Aquarium, Wild Life Hamilton Island, and Underwater World Mooloolaba.

Working in the aquarium industry for over 24 years he has experience as an aquarist, diver, curator and aquarium consultant. Specialist areas of interest are Life Support Systems, water quality and shark behaviour.

Why are zoos and aquariums important?

“I am a champion of conservation through inspiration and appreciation of our natural environments and see Zoo’s and Aquariums as instrumental in delivering these qualities to members of the public who are not fortunate enough to experience our natural world and wildlife first hand.

Our commitment to our animals continues to increase with evolving husbandry knowledge and this development is essential in inspiring an ever more critical visitor.

This is a complementary process, the more we educate the more questions are asked of us.

As a board member of ZAA I am always available to be contacted with questions, queries or advice on the challenges our industry faces in the coming years”.