Our Team
With more than 35 years of combined experience in animal behaviour, working across a wide range of species, Peter and Grant bring a creative, practical and highly effective approach to programme development. From the Big Five to the smallest species, they have partnered with zoological collections around the world to redesign and refine training systems where welfare improvements become achievable, sustainable and measurable.
Their depth of knowledge, hands-on implementation and ability to see challenges from a different perspective set them apart. No situation is too complex — they focus on finding workable solutions that expand welfare opportunities and strengthen team confidence.
Meet Peter and Grant turning challenges into progress, and good programmes into exceptional ones.
Growing up in the Netherlands, Peter developed an early fascination with the natural world. After completing two internships at Waterpark Neeltje Jans, where he was first introduced to marine mammals, he began his professional career in 2005 at Ouwehands Zoo working with California sea lions.
Attending the 2008 International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA) conference proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. Connecting with trainers from around the world inspired Peter to raise his professional standards and expand his vision for animal training
and welfare.
His international journey has taken him to Canada, working with walruses and bottlenose dolphins, and to Tenerife, where he trained
killer whales. His work with Morgan, a young deaf killer whale, earned him the People’s Choice Award at the 2013 IMATA conference,
recognising his innovative and welfare-focused approach.
After a period working with killer whales in France, Peter relocated to Sweden to join Kolmården Wildlife Park as a Senior Marine Mammal Trainer. He later advanced to Animal Training Coordinator, where he played a key role in developing training systems and supporting a positive shift in training culture across the organisation. From 2016 to 2018, he also served as Vice President of IMATA, contributing to the advancement of the global animal training community.
In 2021, DierenPark Amersfoort in the Netherlands created the role of Coordinator Animal Training, allowing Peter to further develop structured, welfare-driven training systems within a collaborative team environment. In 2024, he moved to Sea World Australia to review and refine their training programmes, implementing targeted changes designed to deliver significant welfare improvements.
Peter Giljam
Founder/ Lead Consultant
As the founder of Zoospensefull, Peter delivers thought-provoking presentations and practical workshops focused on training strategies and behavioural systems applicable across species. He encourages animal-care professionals to “think outside the zoo,” promoting innovative, ethical and sustainable practices.
A passionate animal training and behaviour consultant, Peter specialises in operant conditioning methodology and systems development. Through his work, he inspires and equips professionals to approach their next training challenge with clarity, confidence and creativity.
Grant Kother
Senior Consultant
Driven by his passion for training and conservation communication, Grant later joined the
presentations department, designing and delivering engaging educational demonstrations.
Originally from Canada, Grant began his zoological career at London Zoo, one of the world’s most renowned zoological institutions. Starting in the herpetology department, he worked with reptiles and amphibians, where he developed a progressive behaviour management programme focused on training and enrichment for often-overlooked species. His innovative approach challenged traditional practices and strengthened welfare outcomes.
During his time at London Zoo, Grant progressed to Senior Keeper, gaining extensive experience across a wide range of species while refining his expertise in husbandry, welfare and behaviour. He also served as a media spokesperson, conducting press interviews, appearing on television programmes, and contributing to a BBC documentary featuring David Attenborough.
There, he led and mentored a team of keepers, fostering professional growth and high welfare standards.Since 2024, he has worked at Mandai Wildlife Group in Singapore as Behaviour Management Coordinator, further expanding his international impact.
After nearly a decade in the UK, he relocated to New Zealand, advancing from keeper to Team Leader of native and exotic fauna, including birds and ectotherms.
A key member of the Zoospensefull team since 2017, Grant brings extensive global
experience, innovative thinking, and a strong commitment to advancing modern, welfare-driven
animal husbandry practices.
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