Dr Jacqui Wilmshurst

I am working towards a PhD in Anthrozoology, via a project entitled 'Caring Wildly', using multispecies autoethnography to explore relationships with wild animals. 

Several years' practice as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator have already shown me that the animals have much to teach us - about their individuality, capabilities, adaptability, and needs. We can also learn, if we're willing, about our own animal natures, our healing and wellbeing, and how we relate to other species more widely.

These relationships, and the practice of providing rehabilitaton and sanctuary to particular species, reveal the wider cultural narratives that shape how we live in multispecies communities with wild animals, especially in urban spaces.

The research explores these themes while drawing from a diverse range of literature and theory, including care ethics, philosophical ethology, environmental ethics, and animal ethics.  

The animals in this study are unable to return to the wild, and are already living in captivity for the sole purpose of their own rehabilitation and welfare. 

I have a previous academic background in health, social and environmental psychology, applied to human-natural environment relationships and in particular towards improved resilience and risk management for natural hazards. This research examined other 'ways of knowing' alongside conventional scientific and academic enquiry, including indigenous and traditional knowledge about the natural world and other animals.

In addition to my work as an academic, I was previously an officer in the British Army (retired as Captain) and a leader in mental health and wellbeing in large complex organisations including the BBC, Meta and TikTok. I am a Chartered Member and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Socety, in the Division of Academics, Researchers and Teachers in Psychology.

For the past decade I have been working as a consultant and senior leader in workplace health & wellbeing, learning & leadership, environment & wellbeing, and conservation psychology. 

www.jacquiwilmshurst.com