Ryan Eddowes was born with Bilateral Congenital Talipes Equinovarus, also known as “Clubfoot”. A condition that affects the shape of the feet, ankles and legs, which causes him daily pain and discomfort, and means that he cannot stand or walk for prolonged periods. Growing up, he developed a passion for the natural world and knew that he wanted a career with animals.

When he was only 13 years old he was told he had just 3 options due to the severity of his clubfeet: To do nothing and become a full-time wheelchair user; have another operation to try to correct it or to have his feet amputated and have prosthetic limbs.

Following these options, Ryan was advised that a life working with animals would not be possible due to the amount of time spent on his feet. Despite this, Ryan went on to complete an animal management diploma in animal care and qualified as an animal carer.

Ryan was the first one in his family to go to university. Studying Zoology at Bangor gave him the opportunity to diversify into many areas including animal care, wildlife conservation, wildlife media and climate change advocacy.

Whilst studying, Ryan worked in Bangor University’s Natural History Museum and travelled internationally to research and film wildlife. Since graduating, he’s worked as a wildlife cameraman/presenter, coordinator, animal management lecturer, instructor, VIP Safari tour guide, minibus tour guide and zookeeper. He is frequently asked to attend schools, colleges and universities to do talks on his life in wildlife conservation/media and is a strong ambassador and advocate for pursuing a place at university.

Ryan says that university developed him as a person and helped him to build the confidence to talk to everyone.

"University for me means a sense of meaning, it is a pathway of self-discovery, fostering independence, cultivating unforgettable moments and creating lifelong stories to tell."