Celebrating Five Years of Partnership with ZSL
- Dr Joe Giordano
- Dec 22, 2025
- 3 min read
As CEO of SAVSIM CIC, it is an absolute honour to share and celebrate a milestone that means a great deal to everyone involved in our work: five years of partnership with the Zoological Society of London.
Over the past five years, we have shared a clear and united commitment to tackling the illegal wildlife trade, while also building something truly unique together through our Warriors of Hope programme. This partnership has helped hundreds of veterans living with PTSD and mental health challenges find support, purpose, and renewed confidence.
A shared mission with lasting impact
SAVSIM was founded on the belief that veterans’ skills, experience, and discipline can play a powerful role in conservation. Working alongside ZSL, we have been able to harness that expertise to help prevent wildlife crime, while also supporting veterans as they transition into civilian life.
The illegal wildlife trade, valued at billions globally each year, continues to devastate ecosystems and communities. Together with ZSL, we are committed to creating long-term change by protecting species, supporting conservation projects, and addressing the human impact behind this crisis.
Warriors of Hope and the power of nature
Alongside our conservation work, Warriors of Hope has become a cornerstone of our partnership. Delivered in collaboration with ZSL at both London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, the programme uses a connection with nature and animals to support veterans struggling with PTSD and mental health challenges.
Participants take part in hands-on activities such as maintaining community gardens, creating enrichment for animals, and supporting daily conservation work. These experiences are paired with group sessions and therapeutic support, all delivered in calm, restorative environments.
Time spent outdoors, away from external pressures, allows veterans to reconnect with themselves and with others. The sense of belonging, shared purpose, and contribution to something meaningful has proven transformative for many who take part.
A word from Joe Giordano
“It’s so wonderful to be celebrating five years of our partnership with ZSL, which has been truly transformational. We have the shared goal of protecting wildlife from the illegal wildlife trade, but thanks to our two conservation Zoos, we’re able to use the power of nature to help heal our country’s veterans and support their transition from the military to civilian life. While working on activities like cleaning out hippos’ paddocks, or making enrichment for lions or aardvarks, our veterans put their expertise at the service of conservation efforts – and hugely benefit from time spent in nature.”
Five years of collaboration and community
To mark the fifth anniversary of this partnership, ZSL reflected on the impact of Warriors of Hope and the wider SAVSIM collaboration. Speaking about the milestone, I shared how powerful it has been to see conservation and veteran support come together in such a meaningful way.
By working on conservation activities, whether supporting animal care or contributing to wildlife protection efforts, veterans are able to put their expertise to use while benefiting deeply from time spent in nature.
With thanks to those who make it possible
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Grant Miller MBE, Patrick Conlon, Kathryn England, Andrew Terry, Mike Hoffmann, and the incredible teams at London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, who continue to make us feel so welcome and supported.
These programmes are only possible because of the continued generosity of our sponsors, donors, grant givers, and everyone who attends and supports our fundraising events throughout the year.
On behalf of the animals we protect and the veterans we support, thank you. Your belief in this partnership enables us to continue creating positive, lasting change for both people and wildlife.
Joe Giordano
CEO & Co-Founder, SAVSIM CIC
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