Kim is a graduate of Zoology (BSc) and Wildlife and Conservation Management (MSc) from University College Dublin (UCD), and has worked in the management of sea turtle conservation projects in Greece since 2012. She has worked on both NGO projects and EU Life projects. She has gained extensive experience in field monitoring, volunteer management and public awareness activities while working at two of the biggest nesting sites for Loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean. Kim is passionate about environmental education believing that informing and engaging people is the strongest tool we have to achieve conservation goals. She joined SRI as Community Engagement Manager in March 2019 and quickly made herself a vital asset to our long term team.

Hayleigh has a strong background in animal sciences, having completed a Bachelor of Science from the National University Ireland Galway with a focus on Zoology in her final year. Keen to take on the challenges of the dynamic world of animal rehabilitation, she joined SRI in November 2019 as an Animal Care and Education Intern. Hayleigh was quickly recognized for her amazing work ethic, so it wasn’t long before she was invited to extend her stay with a promotion to Senior Animal Care Manager. Hayleigh is known to be incredibly efficient and effective at completing daily tasks, earning her the nickname “The Machine”. She is highly organized and is always coming up with new ways of improving our centre and animal hospital. Hayleigh is a great leader and mentor to all of our Animal Care Staff and Interns, and is an integral part of our team!

Natalie has a BSc in zoology from University College Dublin, where she was lucky enough to travel to places such as Costa Rica and Kenya to carry out fieldwork. This influenced her love and appreciation of wildlife across the globe. These experiences inspired her to continue her education by completing an MSc in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation at the University of Bristol. She started as an Animal Care and Conservation Intern here at SRI in October of 2021. Her infectious enthusiasm and fantastic work ethic lead to her progressing to the role of Assistant Animal Care Manager. She also took on the roles of Giftshop Assistant and Sustainability Coordinator and has already become a valued member of the team.

After studying Captive Animal Management at Taronga Training Institute, and serving as an Animal Keeper at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Ally ventured to Co Kerry, Ireland in 2011, during the very early days of SRI when it was known as ‘Dingle Wildlife and Seal Sanctuary.’ With the intent of volunteering as Resident Animal Handler for six short months, Ally fell in love with Ireland’s seals and never left. She persevered through unimaginable challenges as Animal Care Manager alongside the charity’s founder, Ciaran, and has been the backbone of what SRI has become today. Although she now has her hands full with her own human pup, she still provides support and guidance to her team on the ground through her invaluable role as a Trustee.