Mike Jordan

I trained as a zoologist at the University of London and after graduating served as an officer in the Royal Engineers and in the UK Fire and Rescue Service. I returned to zoology to complete my postgraduate studies working for the UK Forestry Commission doing research on woodland rodent ecology and conservation. 

Around 1990 I became involved in zoos through work with the IUCN, BIAZA and EAZA and went on to become a senior lecturer in zoo and wildlife management based at Sparsholt College in Hampshire. I’ve worked extensively in reintroduction and conservation management & planning, specialising in small mammals and invertebrates and first joined the zoo 14 years ago as Curator of Mammals, Birds and Conservation Training. 

From 2009 – 2015 I worked as senior conservation advisor to the South African government in zoos and game reserves before returning to Chester Zoo in 2015 as the Director of Collections.