معرفی
Professor Vicky Melfi is a leading academic in the field of human-animal interactions at Hartpury University, affiliated with the Department of Animal and Agriculture. With over 30 years of professional and academic experience in zoo animal welfare and conservation, she is a passionate advocate for evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. She holds a PhD in Zoology from Trinity College, Dublin, an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare from the University of Edinburgh, and a BSc in Animal Science from the University of Nottingham.
- PhD, Zoology, Trinity College, Dublin (awarded 2002)
- MSc, Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare, University of Edinburgh (awarded 1997)
- BSc, Animal Science, University of Nottingham (awarded 1995)
Her research centers on human-animal interactions, particularly in zoo and wildlife contexts, with a focus on improving animal welfare, enhancing conservation outcomes, and promoting positive stakeholder engagement. She explores topics such as the psychological and behavioral impacts of 'Meet & Greet' programs, the role of zoos in societal wellbeing (including 'Zoos on Prescription'), and the ethical dimensions of human-wildlife encounters.
Recent publications (2023–2025) highlight her ongoing leadership in evaluating the effects of human-animal interactions in zoos, examining visitor behavior, donation motivations, and animal welfare implications. Her work spans interdisciplinary domains including anthrozoology, conservation psychology, tourism, and animal behavior. She frequently publishes in high-impact journals and edited volumes, contributing to both scientific understanding and practical zoo management.
Professor Melfi has received no explicitly listed scientific awards in the provided text, but her influence is evident through her editorial role and professional leadership.
She actively supervises PhD students across multiple institutions, including Hartpury University, UWE, University of Exeter, and University of Melbourne. Her former and current doctoral candidates have explored diverse topics such as vulture welfare, flyball dog injuries, equine rehabilitation, and cross-cultural conservation values. She also contributes to broader academic service as Managing Editor of the Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research (JZAR) and serves as a Trustee for The Welsh Mountain Zoo, demonstrating deep engagement with both academic and conservation communities.
While no formal lab or research team name is mentioned, her fingerprint analysis indicates a strong network in zoo animal welfare, animal-visitor interactions, primate behavior, and conservation education. Her collaborative research spans the UK, Australia, and beyond, reflecting a globally connected scholarly profile.
