Jersey Zoo in crisis over animal welfare concerns: Directors and senior staff quit as critics say reserve set up by David Attenborough's friend Gerald Durrell has turned its back on its ethos
A crisis at Jersey Zoo over animal welfare concerns has led to the mass departure of the zoo's directors and senior staff.
Jersey Zoo, which was founded by the naturalist Gerald Durrell, was praised in the past for protecting endangered species but has been in a state of turmoil in recent months.
Conservationists have raised concerns about the conditions exotic animals are being kept in at the zoo following the publication of a number of distressing photos from inside.
One image showed a Sloth, which are usually found lounging about in tall trees, lying on the floor of a public stairwell, allegedly close to children. While another image appeared to show a bloody aardvark with scratches down its back.
Jersey Zoo has denied allegations that their keepers do not know how to care for the animals. In a statement they told MailOnline 'A picture at a moment in time does not tell the whole story of that animal and the care it receives.'
Conservationists have raised concerns about the conditions exotic animals are being kept in at the zoo following the publication of a number of distressing photos. One image showed a Sloth, which are usually found lounging about in tall trees, lying on the floor of a public stairwell
Another image appeared to show a bloody aardvark with scratches down its back. Critics of Jersey Zoo have cited the newly surfaced pictures as illustrative of the ongoing crisis at the zoo
Jersey Zoo was originally founded by naturalist Gerald Durrell (pictured) with the aim of protecting endangered species. Recently, the board has been accused of bringing in more popular animals at the expense of the endangered species that Mr Durrell promoted
Critics of Jersey Zoo have cited the newly surfaced pictures as illustrative of the ongoing crisis at the zoo which has seen in recent months staff, with a combined career at the zoo spanning over 250 years, quit en masse.
Trustees of the zoo have been accused of eroding the original mission of the late Mr Durrell who died in 1995.
The friend of David Attenborough opened Jersey Zoo in 1959 with the aim of championing lesser known animals he called 'little brown jobs.'
Recently, the board has been accused of bringing in more popular animals, such as sloths, at the expense of the endangered species that Mr Durrell promoted.
Last Wednesday the board of trustees narrowly survived a confidence vote despite hundreds of members calling for them to be ousted, and who plan to voice their concerns at the next annual general meeting.
In words reported by The Times, Quentin Bloxam who worked at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust for more than 45 years, claims he voiced concerns about the treatment of animals.
He cited the sloth enclosure as one of example of an enclosure that was not suitable for the creatures claiming it was originally intended to be an immersive jungle experience with plants.
Jersey Zoo insists animal welfare is its highest priority. In response to the pictures, the zoo released images of the sloths exploring at night and aardvarks sleeping indoors.
Rebecca Brewer, CEO (Interim), Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust said: 'The implication of recent news articles that our passionate and experienced keepers do not care for our animals couldn't be further from the truth and is extremely distressing for our team.
'A picture at a moment in time does not tell the whole story of that animal and the care it receives.
'At Jersey Zoo, we continually evolve and adapt our animals' environments, in line with the latest husbandry guidelines and scientific data available to us. We have a team of professional vets based on site, incredibly devoted keepers, who work tirelessly to look after our animals, and regular zoo inspections to ensure we are meeting the relevant standards.'
Dr Lee Durrell, Honorary Director of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust said: 'Healthy debate about management decisions and strategic direction of any organisation is to be welcomed – Gerald Durrell himself encouraged constructive criticism of the zoo. This debate culminated at last week's EGM, where the members voted in support of the current Board of Trustees.
'I'm working together with the Board to ensure that the way forward reinforces Gerry's legacy to the world: his unique approach to wildlife conservation, integrating animal husbandry skills, scientific expertise and a long-term commitment to the animals, people and places we focus on, including Jersey Zoo.
'As David Attenborough said, 'the world needs Durrell'. And what Durrell needs now is stability and to move forward for the greater good of our mission to 'save species from extinction'.'
Matthew Hatchwell, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust said: 'The EGM was an opportunity to hear from our members and directly address any concerns or questions. The turmoil of recent months must end here. What Durrell needs now is to move on, learning from the past, and restrengthening our focus on vital work here in Jersey and around the world.'
