Congratulating Andrew Mooney - winner of BIAZA's Rising Star Award 2025!

Dr Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer at Dublin Zoo, received the coveted Rising Star Award from BIAZA. 

This top individual honour recognises exceptional early-career contributions to the zoo and aquarium sector. Dr Mooney, who also serves as Coordinator for the Centre for Species Survival: Ireland, was praised for outstanding leadership in conservation science, policy, and community engagement.

Dr Jo Judge, CEO of BIAZA, said:

“Andrew is everything an outstanding progressive zoo like Dublin is about. It is clear from his nomination that he goes above and beyond his duties and has made a massive impact both at Dublin Zoo and within the wider zoo community. His expertise is exceptional, and he has revolutionised the way Dublin Zoo approaches conservation and research.”

Prior to starting work in the zoo sector, Andrew shared his passion for science and conservation in science educator roles at Trinity College Dublin Zoology Museum and the National Gallery of Ireland. In 2020, Andrew graduated with a PhD in Zoology from Trinity College Dublin. 

Andrew joined Dublin Zoo in a new role as Conservation and Research Officer in 2021, where he coordinates all conservation and research activities being undertaken at Dublin Zoo. In recognition of the contribution that he has made to the strategic direction of the zoo, he was promoted to Senior Conservation and Science Officer in 2024. In this current role he continues coordination of science and conservation, including the implementation of a 10-year Conservation Master Plan for the Zoo.

A key representation of how science and conservation, led by Andrew, has been incorporated into the activities of Dublin Zoo is the creation of the National Centre of Species Survival of the IUCN for Ireland at the Zoo. Andrew co-led on the development of this centre, and the fact that this had previously only been initiated by 12 other zoos globally demonstrates the impact of Andrew’s activities.

The work around this IUCN centre enabled Andrew to contribute to Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, with four direct actions on behalf of Dublin Zoo identified (previously only achieved by one other zoo globally).

As well as these additional activities in the zoo Andrew has been able to maintain an active research presence, contributing eight co-authored book chapters and peer-reviewed papers since joining the zoo.

Andrew makes several contributions to the BIAZA community that demonstrate his passion for going the extra mile. He has been an enthusiastic member of the BIAZA DEAI Working Group, where he has been able to champion this important subject across the membership. More recently, he was elected to the Vice-Chair role the BIAZA Research Committee.

He is also the EAZA EEP coordinator for the citron-crested cockatoo. His input is sought in other EAZA groups, as well as being the Co-Vice-Chair of the Cryopreservation Interest Group. He was involved in the formation of this new group, bringing expertise to facilitate the development of this innovative conservation tool to the community. Through other collaborations in the IUCN and WAZA communities, he is a passionate advocate of the zoo role in science and conservation; both within and outside the zoo community.

In addition to this major individual accolade, Dublin Zoo was named Runner-Up in the Marketing, PR, Digital & Events category for its innovative campaign, "Breastfeeding Volunteers & the Birth of a Critically Endangered Bornean Orangutan." - a story which gained significant public engagement, with a media reach of over 21 million in Ireland, and attracted international coverage from outlets including the BBC, Sky News, and ABC News.

Miguel Bueno, General Curator at Dublin Zoo, commented:

“We are incredibly proud to be recognised by BIAZA in both of these meaningful categories. Andrew Mooney’s Rising Star Award reflects the deep commitment and expertise that Dublin Zoo brings to conservation science. Meanwhile, sharing the story of our baby orangutan SJ and his mother Mujur shows the power of storytelling to connect people with wildlife conservation efforts and highlights the extraordinary efforts our team makes for animal welfare every day. These awards are a testament to our dedicated staff and the partnerships that help make our mission possible.”

As an award-winning BIAZA member, Dublin Zoo continues to set benchmarks in conservation science and community engagement, reinforcing its role as a leading force for wildlife protection in Ireland and beyond.

These latest honours follow previous BIAZA wins for Dublin Zoo across key areas including Animal Husbandry, Care and Breeding, Behaviour and Welfare, Sustainability, and PR, Marketing & Digital Events.