Richard Saunders BSc(Hons), BVSc, MSB, CBiol, DZooMed(Mammalian), MRCVS, graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1994, also obtaining an intercalated degree in zoology. He obtained a Certificate in Zoological Medicine in 2001 and a Diploma in Zoological Medicine (Mammalian) in 2010.

Richard is an RCVS specialist in zoological medicine (mammalian) and a European specialist in zoo health management. He joined Bristol Zoological Gardens as a resident in 2008 and became staff vet in 2011. He works part-time for Bristol Zoo, consults in private referral practice in Bristol and teaches at the University of Bristol.

Richard is the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund veterinary advisor, and has written chapters, books and papers on rabbit medicine.