Jonathan Balcombe was born in England, raised in New Zealand and Canada, and has lived in the United States since 1987. He has written many scientific papers and lay-articles on animal behavior, humane education, and animal research (see Jonathan's Writings). A popular speaker, he has given invited presentations on six continents.

In 2000, the Humane Society Press released his book The Use of Animals in Higher Education: Problems, Alternatives and Recommendations. His second book, Pleasurable Kingdom: Animals and the Nature of Feeling Good (Macmillan), was released in May 2006. His third book, Second Nature: The Inner Lives of Animals, is being hailed as his best work to date.

Jonathan has blogged for First Science and has been invited to blog for New Scientist once its blog is set up. Jonathan also wrote an online column titled, Beyond Animal Research for the PCRM website between 2004 and 2006.

Formerly Senior Research Scientist with Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, in Washington, D.C., Jonathan is now an independent consultant based in Germantown, Maryland.