Unhappy trust members urged to rethink membership

Matthew Hatchwell made a statement after the organisation's annual meeting

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust members who do not support the organisation's leadership have been told to reconsider their membership.

Matthew Hatchwell, the chairman of the board of trustees behind Jersey Zoo, made the call in a statement issued following the trust's annual meeting.

He said it had been a "year like no other" after some members had asked the board of directors to resign in the Spring amid claims of mismanagement.

"Anyone who didn't feel they could back the board should reflect on whether a membership is the right fit for them," said Mr Hatchwell.

He claimed "a campaign against the trust" had placed "unsustainable demand on its time and resources".

On Friday the trust announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rebecca Brewer to lead its work saving animal species from extinction.

She had previously served as Durrell's interim CEO.

Ms Brewer said: "I am proud to be given the opportunity to lead Durrell.

"I am truly excited for our next chapter and to build on our incredible success to develop a wilder, healthier and more colourful world for both people and wildlife."

Rebecca Brewer said she proud to take on her new role

A spokesperson for the organisation said she had already guided the organisation through a challenging period.

They added: "Rebecca's new role at Durrell perfectly combines her passion for wildlife and the environment with her professional experience."

Ms Brewer joined Durrell in 2019, initially as director of finance then taking on responsibility for commercial operations and IT in 2020.

As a chartered accountant, prior to joining Durrell, she spent 15 years working for PwC, delivering assurance and advisory engagements across a range of global financial services, hospitality and leisure clients.

In 2017, she took a sabbatical to volunteer on wildlife conservation projects in Botswana and Zimbabwe.