Robert Leach

Growing up with animals helped shape Rob’s journey into animal welfare long before his career began. 

He initially trained as a human nurse, but it didn’t take long for Rob to realise that his passion was working with and for animals. After a few years working in veterinary hospitals, he returned to school, earning a Master of Veterinary Studies from the University of Sydney in 2017. 

Over the past 15 years, Rob’s work has taken him across Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. He’s worked in remote wildlife sanctuaries, animal shelters, and post-disaster zones. From hands-on animal care to academia to disaster response, Rob’s career has always focused on the intersection of animals, people, and the places we call home. 

Today, Rob is part of IFAW’s animal rescue team, leading disaster response efforts in the Oceania region, coordinating teams and projects that help communities and animals prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. He’s especially passionate about protecting Australia’s unique native species, many of which are increasingly vulnerable to climate-related events. 

At home, Rob and his partner Jenny have a crew of indoor rescue cats and a flock of backyard hens who rule the garden. Outside of work, Rob volunteers with New South Wales State Emergency Service, Disaster Relief Australia, and local wildlife and marine mammal rescue groups. He and Jenny also train in the sport of competitive powerlifting.