Welcome to my series of interviews with some wonderful people who work within the natural world, from zoo keepers, to museum curators and everything in between and those that are on the path to working in these positions too. Be inspired for a future where you can combine your love of nature with your day job. I hope you enjoy these interviews, that you can learn something from them and they can inspire you.

Now let me introduce you to Shelby.....

Name

Shelby Stanfield

Age

34

Location

Hampshire, England; formerly Southern California

What do you do?

I look after the professional zookeeper qualification course, with students all over the world! I also like to conduct zoo-based research on the side. Outside of work, I combine my love for pop culture with animals by inspiring folks to take a second look at some of the real-life Pokémon or superheroes we are surrounded by in the natural world.

How did you get into it? 

Originally, I wanted to be a wildlife veterinarian but was not so keen on 4+ years of working with domestic species. I volunteered and worked at a range of zoo collections and wildlife rehabilitation centres back home in California and Hawaii to get experience with animals (and the public!). I ended up distracting myself by working two jobs (a swim instructor and with characters at Disneyland) during my final years of my BSc in Biology…so my grades weren’t the best! I didn’t get into veterinary school when I first applied. However, in the gap year I kept busy volunteering and working with animals before finding a MSc programme in the UK. Interestingly enough, I did get into the Royal Veterinary College in the end, but to study my MSc in Wild Animal Biology.

Whilst on the course, I worked at ZSL London Zoo as a presenter but also as a keeper. I continued to gain theoretical knowledge with my hands-on experience, which has proven most useful! After graduating my MSc (where I also met and fell in love with my now husband!), I had some challenges with my visa and was “stuck” in retail whilst waiting for my visa to work out. At the time, I felt “stuck” as I had my MSc and experience; however, in this role I made things happen to feel like I was progressing. I worked hard to be a customer service trainer for a popular UK brand alongside being an Assistant Manager. During these years, I learned a lot of transferrable skills that on the surface, may not seem useful to working with animals or running courses, but most certainly are!

What made you want to do what you do?

Cheetahs. I’ve always loved them and cannot remember a time when they weren’t my favourite animal. Over the years, my passion has grown to include seeing the pride in my students faces when they show me how they’ve incorporated what they’ve learned on the course for the animals in their care. My students look after some of the world’s rarest species; and it’s my job to ensure they’re equipped with a growth mindset to help them keep improving the lives of these animals.

For my life outside work, I recognised that there was a lot of overlap between some of my favourite superheroes and Pokémon and the animals we share this planet with. There’s plenty of incredible presenters who share animal knowledge with folks who are interested in animals… but I wanted to reach a different audience: those that love some of the same franchises I do. I’m just lucky that this audience includes people of all ages, families, students, and more!

What does it involve?

There is a fair bit of time on the computer, as the course is distance learning to fit around the schedules of zookeepers across the world. However, I am very lucky as each day is very different (which suits me just fine!). Some days I may be meeting with BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) or with a student who needs some support; I could also be checking on the 40+ staff (who also work in the zoo industry) who support and assess students. While my role doesn’t involve working with animals on a regular basis anymore, I am very lucky when I can visit students at their collections!

For my passion of combining animals and pop culture, I am lucky enough to be regularly invited to speak at MCM Comic Con, London Card Show, That! Collector Show just to name a few. While I do use YouTube and Instagram, my passion is meeting and engaging with fellow fans at in-person events.

Did you need any qualifications?

For my role, I needed at least a BSc in an animal related field. They also asked for assessing and teaching qualifications, which I completed once I was in the role.

Any tips for a young person that wants to do what you do?

Not to sound like the song from Zootopia, but “try everything”. The more you can try, from working with a range of species and collections/centres, the more you get an idea of what you do and (more importantly) don’t like. Also, don’t feel like you only need animal experience. There is so much to be said about working in retail/hospitality, for you learn loads about working with and managing people. These skills are valuable to keepers as well, for they too have to deal with the public! So if you can get a range of experience, build your network and just say “yes” to opportunities… you’ll make it happen.

What is the best part of what you do?

My students. They inspire me for they work crazy hours, difficult jobs, and yet for two-years dedicate whatever spare time they have to studying and completing the course. They do it for a range of reasons, and for most it is so they can work towards being the best keepers they can be for their animals. What could be better?!

For the pop culture side, I love seeing the range of audiences that come to the panels and activities that I host. I am then spoiled when they come up to me or message me later and say how they loved learning about animals and never considered how similar they were to some of our favourite fandoms. One of the best moments was at Comic Con earlier this year, and a family came up to me and said how they watch my videos together and discuss them afterwords. To not only be a part of a family spending time together but then discussing biology… so cool!

What is the worst part of what you do?

I really miss working with animals. However, when I am down, I am lucky to work near a zoo and so I can pop down and help those keepers with some husbandry or just get some fresh air. It helps to remind me that within my role, I need to do the best I can do for the students as it impacts the animals in their care.

For the social media component, it is tricky to not compare myself to other creators. My wise friend Choppa once said to me “Comparison is the thief of joy”. This has stuck with me, as even though my follower numbers aren’t “high” compared to others, I won’t let it rob me of the joy I have knowing I got some pretty amazing people that choose to spend their precious time watching or engaging with my content. I’m lucky to have good engagement on posts and try my best to keep up with responding to comments!

What is your favourite animal?

Cheetah 😊

What was the first animal that you fell in love with?

Cheetah. For fear of having a boring answer, I feel I should explain. Apparently, when I was 4 I asked my mom what is the fastest animal and she told me it was the cheetah. I then asked to go to the library and get books on them. The rest, as they say, is history.

What is your favourite place in nature?

The ocean. I was lucky to grow up in Seal Beach, California and spent many a time in the Hawaiian islands.  Rumour has it, I have gills, for once I am in the ocean, it is hard to get me out! Although, I got to say Yosemite Valley is my favourite place on land. The natural beauty that changes with the seasons, is unmatched.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I am working on a project now, which I am hoping will be published in a scientific journal later this year. But as mentioned earlier, I do like to create content and host panels at various events across the UK. As an avid lover of history, I enjoy exploring places here in the UK and discovering the local history. When not travelling, I enjoy running (I have an Ultra Challenge later this year in July) and spending time with my 3 cats and other pets.

If you were not doing what you do now what else would you love to do?

I would love to be a presenter again. There’s nothing quite like a live audience and adapting each time. While you may not reach every person listening, you have the chance to reach one.

Who inspires you?

Apart from my students as mentioned above, my husband is a pretty solid dude. I thought I liked to keep busy… he is a powerhouse. My father has also inspired me throughout presenting and content creation, as he is a Sports presenter and editor.

What are your hopes for the future?

Wow, that’s deep! I would like to see more collaboration across zoos, wildlife organizations, and other stakeholders. There is always something to learn, and if we can be more open and honest about sharing best practices or even, what isn’t working, we can make a difference.  On a less serious note, I also am really excited for the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A!

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about?

Have you ever heard of the partula snail? They are totally like a real-life Pokémon! The best bit is zoos around the world are working to save them from extinction and even released captive bred partula snails back into the wild!