Durrell: Concerns raised about running of Jersey Zoo

Jersey Zoo is the headquarters of the charity

Concerns have been raised about how Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey is run.

A group, including former employees and current members of the trust, said it intended to call for an "extraordinary general meeting".

Jersey Zoo is the headquarters of the charity which was founded by the late author and naturalist Gerald Durrell.

Rebecca Brewer, interim chief executive officer, said concerns included staff and animal welfare at Jersey Zoo.

'Balancing act'

The trust said it took staff and animal welfare "incredibly seriously" and had been working with the group for several months to "address concerns".

Following an increase in staff numbers in recent years, Ms Brewer said she recognised "rapid growth could be unsettling" and decision-making processes needed be made "clearer".

She said: "I have been working closely with Lee Durrell and I know she is saddened by how a small number of people have used her late husband's name to further the debate.

"Lee sits on the Board of Trustees and we are working together on the trust's next chapter and building on Gerald Durrell's legacy as we look to the future."

Other concerns raised by the group related to the governance of the trust and species choices at the zoo, the latter of which Ms Brewer described as "a balancing act".

She said the zoo's current "Rewild our World" strategy aimed to inspire responsibility for the natural world and support conservation through breeding programmes.

Ms Brewer said: "As newly-appointed interim CEO, I am dedicated to finding a way forward that reassures everyone that the charity they know and love is still dedicated to Gerald Durrell's original mission statement 'saving species from extinction'."

'Dire consequences'

Honorary Director Lee Durrell said "healthy debate" about management decisions and strategic direction was welcomed.

She said: "In recent months, however, the concerns raised, albeit well-intentioned, have infused the debates with diverse agendas and unyielding opinions which have had a negative impact on stability and morale at Jersey Zoo and could result in dire consequences for the Durrell we all love.

"Durrell is run by a team of dedicated professionals supported by a highly-committed Board of Trustees.

"Together, we are developing Gerry's legacy to the world: his unique approach to wildlife conservation, integrating animal husbandry skills, scientific expertise and a long-term commitment to the animals, people and places we focus on, including Jersey Zoo."