Dr Jo Wimpenny
Dr Jo Wimpenny is a zoologist and writer, with a research background in animal behaviour and the history of science. She studied Zoology at the University of Bristol and went on to research crow problem-solving for her DPhil at Oxford University. After three years of postdoctoral research on the history of ornithology at Sheffield, she co-authored the book Ten Thousand Birds: Ornithology Since Darwin with Tim Birkhead and Bob Montgomerie, which went onto win the 2015 PROSE award for History of Science, Medicine and Technology. Jo writes for BBC Wildlife and has previously presented at the BA Festival of Science, Science Oxford, the Royal Society Summer Science Fair and Glasgow Science Fair.
Recent articles by Dr Jo Wimpenny
“This is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in my life”: The science behind cuteness – and why it can mean life or death for species
We can't help being drawn to cute creatures, but our aesthetic preferences both help and hinder conservation.
Can animals teach? Or is teaching just a human trait?
Teaching was once considered uniquely human behaviour, but science now recognises a small and diverse group of species as animal teachers.
Engaging local communities to boost mountain gorilla populations
In 2019, the global mountain gorilla population grew to 1,063 individuals. Founder of Conservation Through Public Health Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka explains why linking gorilla conservation to public health programmes is paying off.
Saving flightless parrots from extinction
In 2019, the kākāpō population rose from 147 to 213 individuals. Dr Jodie Crane discusses the biggest breeding season on record, and prospects for these Critically Endangered birds.
The wonder women of ornithology
All too often the world of birds is associated mainly with men. Jo Wimpenny remembers some brilliant but overlooked women who advanced our knowledge of birds.
Crows have a reputation for being smart, but are they actually clever?
Fable and anecdotal evidence has persuaded us that crows and other members of the family Corvidae are among the smartest in the animal kingdom. But is this reputation deserved?
