Celebrating Lesley!

Today we’re congratulating our longest serving zoo keeper on 35 years working here at DZC!

Lesley Lewis joined straight from school as a trainee keeper in 1989 working with the big cats and farm animals.

Over the last 35 years, Lesley, who’s now our Farm Team Leader, has worked with most species across the zoo site and has many a fascinating tale to tell, including the time she hand-reared a lion cub in her living room!

Earlier today, staff gathered to congratulate Lesley and Zoo Director Derek Grove presented her with a gift voucher and thanked her for her dedication to DZC.

Learn more about Lesley in our quickfire questions!

What made you want to get into zoo keeping?

I’ve always had a love for animals. My mum and dad had encouraged me to have lots of pets, pony etc and knew I would love it for a career.

What do you like most about working at DZC?

I love that every day is different and the variety of animals I get to work with.

You’re always learning something new about the animals and it’s great being able to pass this knowledge onto our visitors especially the children who ask the best questions.

What’s your favourite animal at the zoo and why?

I really enjoy everything and I’ve been very lucky to work with lots of animals, including big cats. I love lions and bears and now camels and my newest residents the reindeer, but I am also mad about snails!

What do you look forward to the most when you come to work each day?

Saying good morning to everyone – staff and animals! Every day is so different, from watching young animals grow into healthy adults, whether it’s a rare stick insect or a camel calf, it’s all magical!

Describe one of your favourite work memories…

There are so many! The wonderful animals that I will never forget; staff who are very special friends and public who have also become friends. After being diagnosed with blood cancer, the zoo was a massive support to me and continues to be so.

I am also lucky to have always lived on site with my husband and children, which has always been an amazing experience for us all.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to someone who has just started their zoo keeping career?

Keeping is not for everyone it’s hard work and the weather isn’t always kind but get lots of experience, work hard and it can be the most wonderful job. Dudley Zoo was definitely the best decision for me!