Peter Giljam: Founder / Lead Consultant
Growing up in the Netherlands, Peter was always curious about the natural world. After completing two successful internships at Waterpark Neeltje Jans, where he had his first taste of the marine mammal world, Peter landed a job at Ouwehands Zoo in early 2005, working with California sea lions. Attending the 2008 International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA) conference was a game-changer for Peter; meeting trainers from all over the world inspired him to set higher standards for himself and his career development. His animal training journey took him from working with walruses and bottle-nosed dolphins in Canada to training killer whales in Tenerife. His work with a young deaf killer whale named Morgan, secured him the People’s Choice Award at the 2013 IMATA conference. After a brief stint working with killer whales in France, Peter relocated to Sweden to work as a senior marine mammal trainer at Kolmården Wildlife Park. Followed up as the animal training coordinator, he has taken on the challenge to change the culture of animal training across the organisation. Serving on the board of IMATA as Vice President between 2016 and 2018 was a dream come true for Peter. As the creator of Zoospensefull Peter delivers thought-provoking presentations and workshops about training strategies and systems, applicable to all species and encourages animal professionals to ‘think outside the zoo’. A passionate animal training and behaviour consultant, Peter is proficient in operant conditioning methodology and through his teaching you are bound to feel motivated and inspired to take on your next training project challenge. Zoospensefull is an international animal training and behaviour consultancy, for more information or to book Zoospensefull, please contact us at info@zoospensefull.com or visit our website zoospensefull.com.
Grant Kother: Senior Consultant
Originally from Canada, Grant started his zoological career at one of the oldest and best known zoos in the world, London Zoo. Initially working with reptiles and amphibians, Grant challenged the norm by developing a robust and contemporary behaviour management plan, focusing on training and enrichment of an often overlooked group of amazing animals. During his time at London Zoo, Grant worked his way up to a senior keeper position in the herpetology department, gaining experience with a wide range of species and honing his skills in animal husbandry, welfare and behaviour. Assuming the role of media spokesperson for the zoo, Grant conducted press interviews and appeared in a range of TV shows, and assisted in a BBC produced documentary featuring David Attenborough. As his passion for animal training grew, Grant transferred to the presentations department within London Zoo, creating and delivering engaging demonstrations which allowed him to put his passion for conservation in action. After almost a decade of challenging and growing his skills, Grant made the move to New Zealand in pursuit of a new and exciting adventure. Working his way from zoo keeper to team leader of native and exotic fauna, including birds and ectotherms, he now manages a team of keepers, and is committed to helping them reach their full potential. A key member of the Zoospensefull team since 2017, Grant brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the company, and a passion for changing the way people perceive captive animal husbandry. Zoospensefull is an international animal training and behaviour consultancy, for more information or to book Zoospensefull, please contact us at info@zoospensefull.com or visit our website zoospensefull.com.
Michael Hepher: Consultant
After graduating from Nottingham Trent University with a Bachelor of Science in Zoo Biology, UK born Michael began a seasonal position at Chessington World of Adventures in 2012. Quickly progressing to a permanent member of the hoofstock team, he assisted with the opening and operation of new rhino and giraffe sections of the park. After four rewarding years, Michael took up a position in the giraffe team at Chester Zoo. Playing a key part in hoofstock training, including the development of a giraffe hoof-care training programme, Michael was also involved in training Malayan tapir for transport and leading the development of a weigh board training plan for onager. During his time at Chester Zoo, Michael featured in UK reality TV show ‘Secret Life of the Zoo’, before accepting a zookeeper position at Kolmården Zoo in Sweden. Working alongside Zoospensefull founder Peter Giljam, also based at Kolmården Zoo, on a wide range of hoofstock training plans, they successfully trained groups of ibex to wear collars for research and large herds of deer and bison for call-over. Michael’s extensive hoofstock training experience makes him a valuable asset to Zoospensefull, bringing a unique perspective to the already diverse skillset of the team. Zoospensefull is an international animal training and behaviour consultancy, for more information or to book Zoospensefull, please contact us at info@zoospensefull.com or visit our website zoospensefull.com.
Elias Koronis: Communications Manager
Elias brings 18 years of marketing and communications experience in the public, non-profit, higher education and private sectors.
Wessel van Sante: Finance / Technical Support
Wessel is our technical support wiz – he’s responsible for the smooth running of our website as well as all technical and finance issues.
Rinske van Sante: Executive PA / Graphic Design
Rinske is our talented and creative graphic designer, with excellent project management skills and a keen interest in photography.
