Mark trained as a vet at Liverpool University and worked for many years in fish health and disease control, before spending five years traveling extensively and working on rescue and rehabilitation projects for primates, bears, birds, and reptiles in South America Asia. He has master’s degrees in both aquatic and wild animal health, and several years’ experience in the non-government animal protection sector covering international wildlife trade, wildlife management, and animal welfare issues. He joined the UK-based Born Free Foundation in 2014 where he is currently Head of Policy.