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Board Members

IZE Journal Editor

Natasha Silva
Artis- Royal Zoo Amsterdam
ize-editor@artis.nl

Plantage Kerklaan 38-40
1018 CZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: 31 20 5233418
Fax: 31 20 5233419

Natasha Silva is of Caribbean origin, where her barefoot wanderings as a youngster sparked off a profound interest in animals and nature. She has lived a major part of her life in Europe, where she has earned degrees in Biology and Education, Social Anthropology, and Museology.

On her work as a senior educator at Artis – Royal Zoo Amsterdam, Natasha says:

“This must be the most exciting job in the world! Artis Zoo has just undergone a rigorous reorganisation and we are in the process of realising our ambitious Master Plan. However, the most interesting and challenging aspect of my work remains the day to day contacts with zoo animals and visitors. What I find deeply rewarding is encouraging visitors to really ‘look’ at and think about animals, thereby initiating a dialogue on the value and meaning animals, humans and the current state of the world. I consider my job well done when visitors become passionate.”

With regard to the ‘Journal of the International Association of Zoo Educators’ and her position as Editor, Natasha comments:

“I am delighted to have been given this opportunity. The IZE Journal projects the strong professional attitude of the association. It stands for excellence and international expertise, and aims at being inspirational and supportive of international professional development. Together with the IZE Website, the IZE Journal gives access to the latest knowledge, thinking and practices in the field of zoo-based conservation education. We really seek to underscore the association’s international character. We therefore explicitly invite our members to participate in the journal’s communication process. If you have a story, a thought, a theory, a practice which you wish to share with fellow zoo educators across the globe, please contact your (regional) editor. Your contribution is most welcome!”