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CLASSNOTES
During her tenure at Edinburgh’s
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary
Studies, from 1994 to 1999, Sharon
set up the UK’s first exotic animals
lecture series and established
exotic clinic services, which were
groundbreaking at the time. Her
innovative approach laid the foundation
for improved care and treatment of
exotic species in veterinary practice.
Continuing her academic journey, Sharon
joined Bristol Vet School, where she
not only continued her work in exotic
animal medicine but also started a
Rabbit Residency and a Zoo Residency
programme. These initiatives were
pivotal in advancing the field of exotic
animal medicine and training a new
generation of veterinarians equipped
with specialized skills and knowledge.
Her contributions to academia not only
disseminated critical knowledge but
also underscored the importance of Sharon, awarded OBE by Prince William
conservation and the ethical treatment
of animals in captivity. and strategic initiatives earned her
recognition, culminating in being
Sharon’s transition from academia to awarded an OBE for her services
hands-on veterinary practice saw her to conservation and education. This
taking on the role of Zoo Veterinarian honour reflected her tireless efforts in
at Edinburgh Zoo and later at Bristol advocating for wildlife conservation and
Zoo as well as the Vet Advisor for her impactful work in the zoo community.
the European (EAZA) Great Ape
Breeding programme. In these Currently, Sharon continues to influence
positions, she played a crucial role the field as a zoo consultant, UK
in the health and welfare of a diverse government zoo inspector, and advisor
range of species, contributing to for the European Association of Zoos
numerous successful breeding and and Aquaria, shaping policies and
conservation programmes. Her expertise practises that enhance animal welfare
and dedication were vital in ensuring and conservation efforts.
the highest standards of animal Sharon’s business acumen was also
care, which in turn supported global recognised when she was named
conservation efforts. UK Business Woman of the Year, in commitment to natural and sustainable
A defining moment in Sharon’s career 2015. Her innovative approach to zoo products, recently launched a new line
was her TEDx talk, where she shared management set new benchmarks in the of dog shampoo bars, combining
her insights and experiences with a industry, demonstrating that effective Sharon’s passion for animal care with
broader audience. This platform allowed business practises could harmoniously innovative business practices. Sharon
her to advocate for conservation and coexist with conservation goals. It and Emma are now active advocates
the critical role of zoos in preserving was exciting to be handed the trophy for women in business and the LGBTQI
biodiversity. Her ability to communicate by Baroness Karren Brady herself, a visibility of leaders.
complex scientific concepts to the wider previous winner of the award. Sharon Sharon Redrobe’s journey from an RVC
public further solidified her reputation as remains a proud Ambassador for the graduate to a leading figure in veterinary
a leading voice in the field. Women of the Year organisation. science and business is a testament to
In a significant career milestone, Sharon Recently, Sharon has ventured into the her dedication, resilience, and visionary
became the CEO of Twycross Zoo, a entrepreneurial world as a director of leadership. Her multifaceted career
position she held for ten years. Under Little Soap Company, an eco-friendly serves as an inspiration to the RVC
her leadership, Twycross Zoo underwent company her wife founded. In fact, they community and beyond, illustrating
transformative changes, becoming a met at a business event arguing about the profound impact that one individual
centre for conservation, education, and the use of palm oil and its impact on can have on the fields of veterinary
research. Sharon’s visionary approach orangutans! The company, known for its medicine, conservation, and business.
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