Staff at Dudley Zoo have bid a fond farewell to Account Administrator, Sue Snape who’s retiring after almost 24 years at the Castle Hill attraction.

Over the last two decades, Sue, whose favourite animals on-site are the Colombian spider monkeys, has seen big changes in her role, where she oversees all aspects of invoicing, purchase invoicing and reckoning cash from the tills.

Sue said: “I remember my interview took place in the Queen Mary and all the way through you could hear Max the lion roaring, while the peacocks tapped on the windows and I just thought it was the weirdest experience!

“I’ve seen the job change dramatically over the decades. Whereas we were always dealing with cash and having to physically set up tills each morning, now it’s all cashless and digital.

“When I started, the zoo was also closed for foot and mouth and when we reopened, I’ve never seen so many people or cash to count!

“But I couldn’t have had a better job with nicer people and animals. It’s a really relaxed atmosphere to work in. We are like one big family at the zoo and I shall really miss it all.”

Zoo Director Derek Grove, added: “The words ‘straight-talking’, ‘conscientious’, ‘trustworthy’ and ‘hardworking’ seem to form a pretty good description for Sue.

“It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t sugar-coat her opinions to anyone and for this I have always admired and respected her conviction and strength.

“I have tried to talk her out of retirement for purely selfish reasons, as she’ll leave a huge hole to fill within the finance department and the office team. She’s an incredibly popular member of staff and I know she will be missed by all."