Gemma Cathie

What is your favourite animal at the zoo?

This is a very hard question (as it’s usually whichever animal I’m standing in front of at that particular time) but some front runners would definitely be Alonso the white-nosed coati, Rico the porcupine and Alan the axolotl.

What conservation project do you currently support and why?

I’m a big supporter of grey seal rescue and rehabilitation, having spent time in Cornwall helping with this vital work. Grey seal pups can often end up injured or abandoned by their mothers due to several factors including human interference. Local organisations then work with the public to locate stranded pups, nurse them back to health and return them to the sea (which is just the best thing to watch!).

If you could bring one species back from extinction, what would it be and why?

I would have to go with a Woolly Mammoth, because I think they looked so majestic! However, I’ve seen enough ‘Jurassic Park’ to know that bringing animals back from extinction may not always be the best idea!

Which animal at the zoo would you say has a personality most similar to yours and why?

I’ve been told a guinea pig – because I also don’t like being on my own and shout when I’m hungry!


What is your favourite thing about working at BPCZ?

I love being part of small team who are doing such big things for conservation! I also love sharing our amazing animals with all our young visitors – you can’t beat hearing school children say they’ve had ‘the best school trip ever!’