Speaker Series: Help Build a Regional Home for Wildlife Veterinary Care

Dr Mark Pilgrim OBE | Acting CEO, Zoos Victoria

Dr Mark Pilgrim joined Werribee Open Range Zoo in 2022 as Director, becoming Acting CEO Zoos Victoria in April 2026; after 33 years at the North of England Zoological Society’s, Chester Zoo. He’s held many roles during this time, being everything from a Keeper, Curator and Director to finally being CEO, the post he held for more than a decade.

Dr Pilgrim has a lifelong fascination with elephants. He was appointed the first chair of the UK Government’s British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums Elephant Welfare Group, ensuring significant improvements in the welfare of zoo elephants in the UK over a ten-year period. 

Paul Lavars | General Manager, Kyabram Faunal Park 

Paul joined Zoos Victoria in 2022 when Kyabram Fauna Park was acquired as its fourth zoo. Previously Director of Echuca Moama Tourism and President of the Echuca Moama Accommodation Association, he looked to bring all facets of regional tourism together to promote the amazing offerings of the region. 

As a passionate conservationist, Paul moved to Kyabram Fauna Park to support the growth of tourism in the region. In his 30+ year career Paul has worked across Aquaculture, Agriculture, commercial radio, marketing and business development. His diverse working career has solidified his beliefs that all business in regional Victoria are interconnected to the success of each other. Paul is always looking for ways to promote regional Victoria and its amazing attractions and communities. 

Fiona Ryan | Senior Manager Wildlife Welfare Programs, Zoos Victoria 

Fiona Ryan is a professional zoo and wildlife veterinary nurse, with more than 20 years’ experience in the field, and has worked within each of Zoos Victoria’s dedicated wildlife hospitals. Fiona first joined Zoos Victoria in 2004, as part of the original team within the Australian Wildlife Health Centre at Healesville Sanctuary. Fiona now leads Zoos Victoria’s programs aimed to improve the welfare of free ranging wildlife across the state, including the Veterinary Outreach Program, supporting the Conservation Regulator in their work with seized and surrendered wildlife, and our preparedness for wildlife emergency response during disasters, such as bushfire.  In her current role, Fiona represents Zoos Victoria as the DEECA liaison, providing wildlife advice, and supporting the DEECA led preparedness for response to wildlife impacted by emergencies. Fiona draws on her expertise in the veterinary assessment, care and rehabilitation of wildlife and broad experience in responding to a range of scenarios impacting wildlife, including day to day wildlife emergencies, and disasters, such as bushfire and flood, to inform her work.   Fiona’s aim is to work with our stakeholders to generate a resilient shift using evidence-based decision making, for improved welfare outcomes for free ranging wildlife in Australia. 

Gerry Ross | Life Science Manager – Animal Health, Healesville Sanctuary 

Gerry Ross has been nursing for almost 26 years. She began her career at a bird specialist clinic where she developed a love of working with birds. She moved on to work at a small animal practice, completing her nursing certificate while developing her knowledge and interest in anaesthesia and surgery. In 2005, Gerry started working for Zoos Victoria as a nurse at Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre, further growing her passion for wildlife and conservation. In 2007, she stepped into a senior nursing role and in 2016 Gerry took on the role of hospital manager overseeing the staff and operations of the wildlife centre. Currently, Gerry manages a large team with a range of full-time, part-time and casual staff, and is responsible for budgets, forward planning and projects. Gerry’s role is to ensure staff have the ability to provide the best wildlife welfare and rehabilitation possible, through the provision of skills, equipment and facilities.