Zoé Allouchery

Zoé has spent her life on the move. As a diplomat's daughter, she lived in 10 different countries and experienced many different cultures and perspectives, especially their views on conservation and the environment. She has always been an animal lover and as a child, dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. After finding out about the multitude of other jobs that would allow her to work with animals and be closer to nature, she realised her passion is in conservation and wildlife management. Travelling has opened her eyes to the changes that need to happen to protect our planet and she hopes to contribute to the solution.

Zoé completed her Bachelor of Environmental Biology at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. While spending a month in the bush as a research assistant near Mossel Bay, she realised that the animals in southern Africa are very exciting.  She particularly wanted to learn more about the bush, and developed a love for rhinos, so decided to complete her FGASA Apprentice Field Guide training near Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Following this adventure, she decided that pursuing a masters degree would help her accomplish her goals of working in NGOs or possibly as an ecologist at a game reserve. In 2022, she moved to Cape Town to complete her Honours at UCT and immediately loved the city. She is excited to complete her Masters this year and to see what her future holds in conservation. 

When not on campus or studying, Zoé can be found exploring Table Mountain and the other mountains surrounding Cape Town. Her love for the outdoors means that she will most likely be at the beach, hiking, camping, climbing, or playing soccer for UCT.

Thesis: Driving giants: spatial and temporal factors influencing giraffe movements in a private protected area. (Supervisors: Jacqui Bishop, Susan Miller, Gabriella Leighton)