Cameron Kerr AO has been admitted to the degree of Doctor of Science (honoris causa) in recognition of his leadership and eminent contributions to wildlife conservation education.
The Taronga Conservation Society Australia CEO was honoured during a ceremony on Tuesday presided over by Deputy Chancellor Richard Freudenstein and Dean of Science, Professor Marcel Dinger.
"Cameron was a driving force behind Taronga Zoo’s innovative partnership with the University of Sydney and has helped change public perceptions of what a zoo could and should be in the 21st century," Professor Dinger said.
"Cameron’s own passion for wildlife conservation has been instrumental in driving Taronga’s rise to become a global leader in zoo-based conservation, with seven species including the Bellinger River Turtle, the Greater Bilby and the Regent Honeyeater having been saved from extinction as a direct result of Taronga’s work."
Pioneer in wildlife conservation education
Mr Kerr graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Science Honours in 1984 and obtained a Masters of Commerce several years later.
He worked in the industry for more than a decade before joining Taronga as General Manager of Marketing, Communications and Education.
In 2006, he moved to General Manager Life Sciences, Communications and Education and three years later was appointed CEO, a role he has proudly held for 16 years and continues to occupy to this day.
Mr Kerr went on to help Taronga’s two zoos in Sydney and Dubbo maintain their place among Australia’s leading tourist attractions, while securing community support for Taronga’s conservation and scientific endeavours.
He also ensured the viability of the zoos was safeguarded, enabling them to survive the COVID-19 shutdown and to draw record numbers of visitors.
Significant changes were brought about under Mr Kerr’s leadership, including the evolution to conservation-based zoos and one of the largest infrastructure upgrade projects undertaken by any western zoo organisation in the last decade.
Cameron was a driving force behind Taronga Zoo’s innovative partnership with the University of Sydney and has helped change public perceptions of what a zoo could and should be in the 21st century.
Dean of Science, Professor Marcel Dinger
Taronga's enduring legacy
Taronga’s conservation work, new facilities and experiences have won several industry awards.
The Taronga Institute of Science and Learning is the first research and education centre of its kind in the southern hemisphere, inspiring young people to develop their appreciation and understanding of the natural world.
In 2018, Taronga’s partnership with the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Science was formalised with a new degree focusing on wildlife conservation, aiming to provide students with the skills to secure a healthy future for our ecosystems.
Today, the Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation (Taronga) continues to deliver classes at the University’s Camperdown and Camden campuses, and at the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning.
This innovative teaching partnership has been recognised with awards and accolades, including a silver QS Reimagine Education Award, a Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, and as a finalist for a Zoos and Aquarium Association Management Award.
Mr Kerr has held the role of CEO of Taronga Conservation Society Australia for 16 years. Picture: Deputy Chancellor Richard Freudenstein, Cameron Kerr AO and Dean of Science, Professor Marcel Dinger (left to right)
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