Dr Chris West has come to Adelaide to run its two zoos: the smallest in Australia, Adelaide Zoo in the city, and the largest, Monarto Zoo, near Murray Bridge. Before arriving in Adelaide, Dr West was the CEO of the famous London Zoo.
Dr West qualified as a vet in the early 80s and moved into academic research in anaesthesia and taught surgery. Dr West's original interest in conservation however led him to work at the Chester Zoo as chief curator and then as the CEO of London Zoo.
Dr West is currently overseeing the large and significant development of both of Adelaide's two zoos.