long service - Dudley Zoo and Castle

Rich marks 25 years!

The saying ‘mum knows best’ certainly rings true for Richard Brown, after his mum suggested he write to DZC to ask for a job, as today he marks 25 consecutive years working here! Starting straight from school aged 16, Richard began working on the site’s hoof section and following a brief break in service, he […]

Posted on 7th June 20255th June 2025 by Rachel Hickman

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 […]

Posted on 2nd October 20242nd October 2024 by Press Office

Dek’s 40 years!

Zoo Director Derek Grove had no inclination to work with animals; until aged 17 and while working as a trainee boiler engineer, he was called out to fix a broken boiler in Dudley Zoo’s hippo house and watched on in awe as the keeper smashed the ice from the pool’s surface! Soon after, he landed […]

Posted on 12th August 202412th August 2024 by Press Office

40 year celebration!

Join us in saying congratulations to one of our longest serving employees, who yesterday reached 40 years working at DZC! Assistant Head Gardener, Antony Gwilt, initially started on a gardening Youth Training Scheme, which involved three days training here at the zoo and two days at college. He had wanted to go into glass cutting, […]

Posted on 26th June 202419th June 2024 by Press Office

35 years at DZC!

We’re saying congratulations to Zoo Manager Matt Lewis who today marks 35 years at DZC! Starting out as a fresh-faced 16-year-old trainee on the bird section, over the last three and a half decades, Matt has worked his way through the ranks to Zoo Manager, where he now deals with all the operational day-to-day running […]

Posted on 8th May 20247th May 2024 by Press Office

Congratulations Carl!

We’re sending congratulations to Head Gardener, Carl Stevens, who today reaches a tree-mendous 40 years working at DZC! The 57-year-old was thanked and presented with gift vouchers for his dedication and service by Zoo Director Derek Grove and Zoo Manager, Matt Lewis, and we’ll also be planting an ornamental cherry tree on site in his […]

Posted on 16th August 202316th August 2023 by Press Office

Andy reaches 45 years!

This Love Your Zoo Week it seems apt to congratulate our longest serving member of staff, who certainly does love DZC, after reaching his 45th year working here! Zoo Gardener, Andy Palmer, reached the milestone yesterday, when he was thanked and presented with gift vouchers for his dedication and service to the zoo by […]

Posted on 30th May 202320th June 2023 by Press Office