We are so pleased to announce that we have two new ambassadors on board from one of our partner zoos, Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park - Jimmy Doherty and Stevie Sheppard!
Jimmy Doherty
Jimmy Doherty is one of the UK’s best-known farmers and conservationists. His journey at Jimmy’s Farm started over 20 years ago when he took on a leasehold of a 100-acre farm just outside Ipswich which was followed in a BBC series called ‘Jimmy’s Farm’. The farm now has an award-winning Wildlife Park alongside the working farm.
Jimmy has always been passionate about nature. After gaining a degree in Zoology, Jimmy worked at the Entomology Department at London’s Natural History Museum before moving on to Coventry University where he researched for a Doctorate in Entomology, set up an insect laboratory and taught Animal Ecology and Animal Philosophy to undergraduate students. Jimmy’s heart still lies with entomology and is keen to work with Nature’s SAFE further to help develop new ways to preserve our pollinators from extinction and boost biodiversity.
Stevie Sheppard
Stevie Sheppard is the Park Director at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park and is credited for growing the institution from a farm attraction to an award-winning, world class Wildlife Park gaining national and international recognition. He is dedicated to ensuring every animal and team member are given care, consideration and the space to thrive.
Stevie is a trustee for The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and chairs their Domestic/ Heritage Breed Focus Group. He is also proud Governor at a local college, Suffolk New, where he also sits on panels to promote youth employment and works closely with local Tourism boards. Stevie is a strong advocate of Nature’s SAFE and our work to preserve threatened species and slow extinction, which aligns with his own values of caring for animals and wildlife.
We are excited to have such a dynamic duo as part of the Nature’s SAFE ambassador team, and look forward to sharing our journey with all of you.