Manager, Wildlife Nutrition 

Michelle passionately supports Taronga’s vision of securing a shared future for wildlife and people by working to advance conservation nutrition and improve the nutritional welfare of animals. 

Michelle joined Taronga Conservation Society Australia in December 2013, bringing with her over 25 years’ experience in zoo nutrition. As the head of Taronga’s Animal Nutrition program, Michelle ensures the dietary well-being of animals at both of Taronga’s zoos, directs nutrition research, mentors future nutrition specialists and consults for zoos, rescue organisations and conservation programs internationally.   

Michelle's journey began in her homeland of Canada, with a Bachelors (honors) degree in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph. She then completed a Masters in Comparative Animal Nutrition studying seahorses while training and honing her skills as a Nutrition Researcher at Toronto Zoo. After several years as Nutritionist at Toronto Zoo, she spent five years consulting for zoos in Asia and a year with a manufacturing company back in Canada as Director of Product Development designing feeds and supplements for zoo animals.  

Michelle focuses her research efforts on improving the nutrition of managed species by studying species-specific physical and metabolic adaptations to their natural diet, increasing an understanding of the nutrient requirements of wildlife species and the effect of diet on overall health. Michelle is currently completing a PhD studying “The distinctive digestive adaptations of echidnas” with the University of Adelaide. In recent years, her interest in the sustainability of zoo animal food has grown, driven by the increasing threats from climate change and biosecurity to food supply and safety.  

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art." – François de La Rochefoucauld