Dr. Andy Moss

B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc., PhD

Conservation Social Scientist

My academic background is firmly within the biological sciences, but my work at Chester Zoo has led me to embrace research within the social sciences. This ultimately stems from my overarching belief that biodiversity conservation is a problem best solved by the increased understanding of social phenomena. Within this, I am obviously interested in the role that zoos have to play in conservation.

Can they be educational? Can they connect people with nature? If they can, how do we harness this for global conservation? I make use of traditional quantitative and qualitative research methods such as surveys and structured observations, but I am also fascinated to see if the analysis of 'Big Data' can yield useful insights to help us protect the world's biodiversity.

I've worked with the University of Warwick (Department of Sociology); University of Sheffield (Department of Psychology); University of Leeds (Department of Philosophy).

I make use of traditional quantitative and qualitative research methods such as surveys and structured observations, but I am also fascinated to see if the analysis of 'Big Data' can yield useful insights to help us protect the world's biodiversity.

Key publications

Moss, A., Jensen, E., & Gusset, M. (2015). Evaluating the Contribution of Zoos and Aquariums to Aichi Biodiversity Target 1. Conservation Biology, 29(2), 537-544.

Moss, A., Jensen, E., & Gusset, M. (2014). Conservation: Zoo visits boost biodiversity literacy. Nature, 508(7495), 186.

Moss, A., Jensen, E., & Gusset, M. (2014). A Global Evaluation of Biodiversity Literacy in Zoo and Aquarium Visitors. Gland: WAZA Executive Office.

Moss, A., & Esson, M. (2013). The Educational Claims of Zoos: Where do we go from here? Zoo Biology, 32(1), 13-18.

Moss, A., & Esson, M. (2010). Visitor interest in zoo animals and the implications for collection planning and zoo education programmes. Zoo Biology, 29(6), 715-731.