Brittney Heappey

Wildlife and conservation professional with strong expertise in animal behaviour, native species care, ecological fieldwork, and team leadership. Experienced in running behavioural trials, designing ethograms, improving welfare for captive animals, and calmly handling stressed or reactive individuals across rats, possums, and mustelids. Deep passion for Aotearoa’s native birds and wildlife, with practical experience supporting kea capture operations, robin behaviour projects, and DOC biodiversity monitoring through the Nelson Lakes and Nelson Threats teams. Combines scientific insight (behaviour, ecology, conservation genetics) with values-driven leadership and operational capability. Skilled in developing staff, coordinating multi-stage projects, and communicating conservation messages to public audiences.