Dudley Zoo and Castle has announced the appointment of Zoo Manager, Matthew Lewis, as its new Zoo Director.

Matthew, who has worked at the zoo for almost 36 years, will take over the running of the Castle Hill attraction following the upcoming retirement of Derek Grove next month.

Matt said: “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 DZC as a 16-year-old trainee bird keeper and has worked his way up through the ranks.

Outgoing Zoo Director, Derek Grove, added: “Similar to myself, Matt commenced work as a trainee keeper, undertaking various roles on the animal department over the years.

”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.”