Luis Neves

Performance-driven Vice President with over 20 years of experience working in some of the top zoological institutions in the world. Passionate about applying excellent organization and communication skills to develop, inspire, empower and lead teams. Transformational and inclusive leader and results-oriented individual, well-versed in managing the interface between multiple departments to achieve optimal results and productivity.

Strong advocate for the essential role of zoos in today's world, and their unparalleled capability to promote behavior change and respect for wildlife and wild places, through engaging conservation communication, education and meaningful and memorable experiences that promote emotional connections between people and wildlife.

• Mandai Rejuvenation and Expansion Project - Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild (2015 - Present) Part of the team that designed, conceptualized and developed the collection plan and animal programs for the biggest bird park in Asia, as part of the Mandai Development Masterplan.
• Mandai Masterplan - Singapore Zoo / Night Safari / River Wonders (2015 - Present) Part of the leadership team that conceptualized and designed the 10-year rejuvenation masterplan, which includes several projects that will enhance the overall guest experience in the Mandai parks.
• Zookeeper Development Framework (2019 - Present) Led the team that developed a comprehensive in-house development framework for on-the-job training of animal care staff, focused on identifying areas of competency complemented with in-class learning.
• Life Sciences Associate Program (2018 - 2020) Part of the team that developed a fast-tracking career advancement program, designed to identify and groom high potential junior staff in the animal care department.
• Conservation Partnership Development with DENR (Philippines) (2019) Led the team that negotiated the development of a strong partnership for conservation with the DENR (Philippines), which led to Mandai being identified as a key conservation partner and develop pioneer assurance colonies for highly threatened species such as the Philippine Eagle and Negros Bleeding-heart.
• EAZA Accreditation and Corporate Membership to WRS (2018) Led the entire process of having Wildlife Reserves Singapore become the first Asian Zoo to be fully assessed and accredited by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA

• I nternational Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Co Vice-chair for Conservation Breeding and Reintroduction - IUCN SSC Asian Songbird Specialist Group (2017-2021)
• International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Member - IUCN SSC Hornbill SG (2017-Present)

Member - IUCN SSC Pigeon and Dove SG (2020-Present) /

Member - IUCN SSC Galliformes SG (2017- present)

• European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA)

Pigeon and Dove TAG - EEP Coordinator for the Santa Cruz Ground-dove (2019-Present)

Hornbill TAG Veterinary Advisor (2019-Present)

Hornbill TAG EEP Coordinator for the Knobbed Hornbill (2020-Present)

Songbird TAG Member - Threatened Asian Songbird Alliance (2012-Present)

• World Pheasant Association Member (2010-Present)
• European Association of Avian Veterinarian (EAAV) Member (2000 - Present)