Robert Leach

Growing up with animals helped shape Rob's life. Motivated by a One Health approach, he has dedicated himself to the health and welfare of animals, people, and the places they all call home.

His earlier career spanned from human nursing, veterinary nursing, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Rob holds a Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Veterinary Studies.

Before coming to IFAW, he was senior programs manager for Vets Beyond Borders (Vétérinaires Sans Frontières - Australia), managing community-led veterinary programs across the globe. Rob also led the Australian Veterinary Emergency Response team, where he assisted governments, NGOs, animals, and communities impacted by disasters. Most notably, he played a key role in Australia's Black Summer bushfires, leading over 50 veterinary volunteers to assist injured wildlife across several states. More recently, Rob coordinated critical training initiatives, including upskilling general practice veterinary professionals with the skills and knowledge to treat wildlife in emergencies.

In his role at IFAW, he implements disaster response and resilience initiatives and projects that involve wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Rob's skills and values allow him to support communities facing disaster and contribute to the protection and preservation of the natural environment and wildlife, particularly endangered species.