Bengt Holst | |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 May 1952 |
| Nationality |
Danish |
| Alma mater | University of Copenhagen |
| Occupations |
|
Bengt Holst (born 14 May 1952) is a Danish biologist who, until his retirement at the end of 2020, was scientific director at Copenhagen Zoo. [1]
Holst received a MSc in biology from the University of Copenhagen in 1983. [1] Thereafter, Holst was employed as a zoologist and research assistant at Copenhagen Zoo. In 1988, Holst became head of the animal department and in 1994 deputy director and scientific director. [1]
Holst has participated in Denmark Radio's scientific radio programs Leksikon og Viden Om. [2] In 2012, he became chairman of the Animal Ethics Council. [3]
Controversy
Holst gained prominence in February 2014 when he represented Copenhagen Zoo in both Danish and international media, explaining the decision to publicly autopsy the giraffe named Marius. Holst clarified that transferring Marius to another zoo might lead to gene concentration and inbreeding. To enhance genetic diversity for future offspring in zoo breeding programs, it was considered more valuable to introduce another giraffe with a diverse genetic makeup. [4]
Danish Nature Fund appointment
After retiring as Scientific Director of the Copenhagen Zoo on 31 December 2020, the Danish Minister of the Environment appointed Holst as the new chairman of the Danish Nature Fund. [5]
Written works
- Editor in chief, "Verdens Dyreliv – et illustreret opslagsværk om dyreriget" (2007). Forlaget Globe. ISBN 978-87-7900-621-8.
- Translation and adaptation into Danish, "Politikkens bog om pattedyr" (2003). "Politikkens forlag"
References
- ^ a b c "Bengt Holst bliver 60" Archived 2014-07-14 at the Wayback Machine (14-05-2012). U-landsnyt.dk. Læst 12-06-2014.
- ^ "Om Aftenshowets eksperter". DR.
- ^ "Formand med interesse for regnorme" (31-10-2012). Kristeligt Dagblad. Last accessed July 12th, 2014.
- ^ "Anger Erupts After Danish Zoo Kills a ‘Surplus’ Giraffe" New York Times Last accessed August 7th 2021.
- ^ “Miljøministeren udpeger ny formand for Den Danske Naturfond” Press release January 15th 2021 from the Ministry of the Environment. Accessed August 7th, 2021.
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