Liz Bellward (1991) - Animal Caretaker, Conservationist and Advocate for Animal Welfare

Liz Bellward, Director of Rockhampton Zoo, has been able to combine her initial career in business with her passion and love of animals. She is an animal caretaker, conservationist, and advocate for animal welfare, as well as a corporate and business leader.

A member of the Class of 1991, Liz attended Somerville House from Grade 4 in 1983 to Grade 12. She always wanted to work with animals but with veterinary science being the most obvious and defining career path, she was at a loss as what to do as most animals are terrified at the vets, and she wanted a positive relationship with animals she worked with.  Due to this, she sought advice from career counsellors who directed the start of her career.  With her natural aptitude for business and Bachelor of Business Management from QUT, she saw success in this field over the next 12 years ascending the corporate ladder and working for both national and global companies.

In her early 30s she decided to follow her true passion and began using annual leave and weekends to volunteer at animal parks and zoos in Australia and the USA. Liz left corporate life to volunteer at a big cat park in New Zealand full-time. 

With a Masters in Captive Animal Management (specialising in Big Cats) from UQ, her next career was launched at Dreamworld on Tiger Island, where she hand-reared Sumatran tiger cubs and worked hands on with adult Bengal and Sumatran tigers. Again, during annual leave she volunteered further afield, this time at the Clouded Leopard Breeding Project in Thailand. 

Liz attempted to establish her own zoo but dealing with so many layers of bureaucracy meant it was difficult to align council’s requirements, backers for the endeavour, and the procurement of land and animals.  Somewhat discouraged, she returned to the world of business but embarked on a PhD in behavioural research with great apes. 

Enquiries regarding placement opportunities led to her learning about the Director, Rockhampton Zoo opportunity. Finally a position that combined her business knowledge, experience and skills with her passion for animals, and she was appointed to the position. During the last six years, Liz has overseen the improvement of animal welfare with the upgrading of facilities. In addition, she has further developed education for visitors and beyond, and raised awareness and funds for conservation of animals and their habitats. 

For the next generation of passionate animal caretakers and advocates, Liz recommends both tertiary education and hands-on experience, especially volunteering and suggests zoos, wildlife carers, the RSPCA, local vets, dog shelters or farms, and more can offer opportunities. 

Liz is an advocate for following your passion and being true to yourself. Not all decisions made at the time of leaving school should dictate your entire career. “Life is too short to be in a job you don’t enjoy.  You only get one life, it’s up to you to create the one you want!”

If you would like to know more about Rockhampton Zoo https://www.rockhamptonzoo.com.au/Home.