Former Dudley Zoo employee handed honorary BIAZA membership
A man who retired from working at Dudley Zoo after four decades has been handed honorary membership to The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
Dr David Beeston, who first began his career and the attraction in June 1978, soon became a permanent employee five years later – and has taken up a range of roles.
But he stepped down from his latest role – registrar and research co-ordinator – and away from the zoo in June this year, with tributes rolling in to the professional.
And now he has been handed honorary membership of BIAZA in recognition for his "outstanding" achievements both at the zoo and through the entire zoo sector.
Dr David Beeston said: "I was so surprised on being informed of this honour that I was at first rendered speechless, something those of you who know me well will appreciate is nigh on impossible.
"On reflection and having noted some of the other eminent members of the zoo community who have received this honour in the past, I was thrilled and proud that my modest contribution to the zoo world had been recognised in this way.
"Looking back over the past 41 years, from the day I was appointed as education officer on a six month contract until my retirement I can honestly say that in all my roles within Dudley Zoo, in my time as a council member of ABWAK[Association of British and Irish Wild Animal Keepers], my work on BIAZA committees and over the last 19 years in my role as a DMZAA [Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals] regional coordinator, I have seen the major changes in the public standing of our industry; growth in the professionalism of our keepers and all our staff and the astronomical growth of our contribution to global conservation.
"What started out as a temporary job grew into a way of life and I wouldn’t have missed a minute of it.
"To all my friends in the zoo world and especially to the members of the BIAZA Council a very sincere and heartfelt thank you for this amazing honour."
