'I'm really proud': New Dudley Zoo director delighted to take on top job
Dudley zoo’s new director has told of his delight at being given the top job at the attraction as Derek Grove prepares to retire.
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Matthew Lewis, the current zoo manager at Dudley Zoo and Castle, has been appointed to the role and is set to take up the baton almost 36 years to the day since he started working at the attraction.
He said of the appointment: “I’m really proud to have been given this opportunity and to continue what we have achieved here over the last decade.
“I am well aware we have challenges ahead, particularly with rising costs, but there are plenty of plans in the pipeline as we continue our site development programme. I’m excited to get started.”
Matt started at the zoo as a 16-year-old trainee bird keeper and over three decades has worked his way up through the ranks.
Outgoing zoo director, Derek Grove, who is retiring next month, said: “Similar to myself, Matt commenced work at DZC as a trainee keeper, undertaking various roles on the animal department over the years and for the past decade he has provided me with a huge amount of support working as the zoo manager.
“He has a wide range of experience and has dedicated his working life to DZC, so I am confident that I will be leaving the zoo in safe hands.”
