Our Charity
Dudley & West Midlands Zoological Society Limited is a registered charity (No.507221) trading as Dudley Zoo & Castle, Castle Hill, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 4QF.
Our Zoo & Castle
Dudley Zoo & Castle, which opened to the public on May 6th 1937, covers an area of approximately 40 acres and is home to more than 150 species. The majority of the site is a scheduled monument which includes an 11th century castle, a network of limestone caverns and 13 Grade 2 listed Tecton buildings (four Grade 2*).
In 1978, the Dudley and West Midlands Zoological Society became a registered charity (No. 507221), aiming to inspire and excite people in the natural world, in the history and geology of the site on Castle Hill and to encourage and promote support and a better understanding of wildlife and nature conservation.
The charity is governed by a board of trustees (maximum 13), answerable to the Charity Commission. The responsibility of the trustees is to meet the requirements of the Articles of Association, whose objectives are for the benefit and education of the public, the collection, preservation and care of the animals and conservation of the site and buildings.
Our Mission
“To inspire and excite people in the natural world, in the history and geology of the site on Castle Hill, and to encourage and promote a better understanding of and support for the conservation of nature and our heritage.”
Our Vision
“To connect people with the natural world, and to engage people in conservation.”
Our Trustees & Governance
Dudley & West Midlands Zoological Society Limited is governed by our board of trustees:
- David Sparks OBE, Chairman
- Michael Evans
- Kim Fuller
- Philip Loveday
- Peter Silver
- Phil Tart
- Andrew Taylor
- Steven Vincent
- Pamela Hodgetts
The board of trustees meets quarterly throughout the year with a June AGM.
Dudley Zoo Services is an arm of the Society whose board consists of three trustees: David Sparks OBE, Michael Evans, Peter Silver.
Our organisation is managed by our Zoo Director, Matt Lewis, and his management team. We are members of British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquaria (BIAZA), European Association of Zoos & Aquaria (EAZA), British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers & Attractions and Heart of England Attractions.
Useful Information
- No. of employees = Approximately 88 (winter season)
- Auditors : Crowe UK
- Bank : National Westminster Bank
- Annual year end accounts are available to view on-line at Companies House (Company No.1350864).
- Organisation Chart
- Safeguarding Policy
Our Conservation Strategy
Our Conservation Strategy (2024-2027) is a four-year roadmap outlining the necessary steps to achieve a series of ambitious conservation objectives, in line with our charitable vision and mission, supporting threatened species across the globe.
Our Strategic Roadmap includes a series of policies and action plans which support the delivery of our wider Conservation Strategy:
