'Exciting chapter' for zoo as director appointed

The trust said Mr Habben would begin his new role in January

A new director has been appointed to Jersey Zoo.

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) has appointed Mark Habben to be director of zoo operations from January.

The trust said Mr Habben had held a similar position at the Wildwood Trust in Kent since 2019, prior to which he had been responsible for operations at London and Whipsnade Zoos.

DWCT chief executive Rebecca Brewer said the appointment "marks an exciting chapter for us" and Mr Habben would play "a pivotal role in bringing our vision to life".

While at Wildwood Trust Mr Habben was involved in the Blean Bison project of reintroducing European bison and other conservation grazers to help restore natural woodland processes.

Mr Habben said: "I have worked to combine the highest standards of animal care with building strong, motivated teams and I am excited to bring that approach to lead the highly qualified and passionate team who deliver every day on Durrell's mission to save species from extinction."

DWCT also announced the interim director of zoo operations and curator of herpetology Matt Goetz would leave the trust early next year to become the curator of herpetology and aquarium for Wilhelma Zoo Stuttgart.

Mr Goetz said: "After 24 years of dedication to my work here it now became time to put family matters first and when the opportunity arose combining this line of work with spending more time with and supporting my elderly parents, I had to take it."

Mr Goetz would leave "a tremendous legacy at Durrell", Ms Brewer added.