Meet the Education team

The Zoo's Education Team. From left to right, Dave, Rose, Natasha, Amy, Bonnie and Debbie.

Simon Garrett

Simon Garrett, B.Sc.(Hons), FRGS, Head of Learning; Simon has worked full-time at the Zoo since June 1990. He led a six month expedition to Venezuela in 1989 after graduating in Biology from Bristol University. Simon has also been involved in field work in Zimbabwe and the Comoro Islands.

Dave Naish

Dave Naish, BSc (Hons), Education Manager; Dave is a zoologist who joined the department, returning to the UK after 10 years living abroad. In Ecuador and Peru he worked as a guide and researcher in the rainforest. In 2000 he managed a research camp in the wilds of Tanzania.

Claudy Fox

Claudy Fox, BSc (Hons), PGCE, Senior Education Officer. Claudy joined the department in October 2002 but has worked previously as a Bristol Zoo Volunteer and summer Education Assistant. She has also worked at the BBC Natural History Unit, the conservation charity BTCV, and Marwell Zoological Park in Hampshire. Claudy has worked in the field in Europe, Tanzania, and Costa Rica.

Debbie Berry

Debbie Berry BSc (Hons) Animal Science, PGCE, regional co-ordinator for the ANCMZA (zoo keepers course), Education Officer; Debbie joined the education team in January 2004. She previously worked as a college lecturer teaching animal care and equine studies has volunteered on Bristol Zoo Gardens' bird section. In 2001 she carried out field research in the Mata Atlantica Rainforest, Brazil.

Amy Bye

Amy Bye, BSc (Hons), Education Officer; Amy joined the Zoo in 2005 after graduating in Zoology from Cardiff University. Amy started off her Zoo career in the Marketing Department but transferred to the Learning Department in 2006. As part of her degree, Amy has carried out field work on the coral reefs of Tobago.

Bonnie Griffin

Bonnie Griffin BSc (Hons) Zoology, MSc Biological Imaging and Photography. Bonnie joined the Zoo in 2010 having previously worked for the RSPB and Kelvingrove Museum in Scotland. She studied bat ecology as part of her degree and has done conservation work in the forests of Australia, New Zealand and Trinidad.

Rose Barker

Rose Barker BSc (Hons), Education Officer, Rose joined Bristol Zoo in 2008 as a Ranger in the Presentations Section before joining the Education team the following year. She previously worked in the Education Department at Living Coasts in Devon whilst studying for her degree in Zoology.

Mandy Leivers

Mandy Leivers, BSc (Hons), PGCE, Avon Gorge and Downs Biodiversity Education Officer. Mandy joined the Education Team in September. Her role involves running a programme of walks, talks and children's events. She has also developed a leaflet about the wildlife of the site, on-site information boards, nature trails as well as providing sessions for schools.

Natasha Iannaconne

Natasha Iannaccone, BSc (Hons), PGCE, Education Officer. After graduating with a degree in Zoology, Natasha worked as a conservation volunteer in Ecuador, before returning to the UK to work at the International Fund for Animal Welfare and London Zoo.  After completing a PGCE in 2006, Natasha taught science and citizenship at a local secondary school. She joined the Zoo in 2011 as Education Outreach Officer for the recent Bristol Zoo Wow! Gorillas sculpture trail after working on an education project promoting sustainable energy in schools. 

Nicky Weekes

Nicky Weekes, Administrator. Nicky joined the Zoo in 2001, having worked previously in education, leisure and the voluntary sector in management and marketing roles. Nicky is responsible for information and session bookings, and will help you with your enquiries.

Kiri Krych-Smith

Kiri is our full time Animal Care Technician and has been at the Zoo since September 2008. She volunteered for two years within the Zoo before joining the Education team. Kiri studied Animal Care and Animal Management and is currently working towards her ANCMZA qualification.

Rob Stiff

Rob has been working as the weekend animal care technician since August 2010. Before joining the Education team he spent a year volunteering on the reptile section. Rob has just started an extended diploma in animal care with the aim of returning to university to study zoology.