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Twycross Zoo Hosts Inaugural Reception for New Director

PRESS RELEASE

June 18, 2004

The Trustees of Twycross Zoo - East Midland Zoological Society and the Wildlife Information Network today officially welcome internationally respected veterinarian Suzanne Boardman as the new Director of Twycross Zoo. They are joined by more than 125 scientists, zoologists, policy-makers and other guests.

Twycross Zoo has a wide range of species, from elephants to cranes; it has the largest collection of primates in Europe and boasts the only group of bonobos (Pygmy chimpanzees) in the United Kingdom. With around 160 staff, it enjoys over 450,000 visitors annually and recently won an ITN award for the "Best Family Day Out in the Region".

Mrs Boardman succeeds Natalie Evans who has retired after 40 years as co-director and Molly Badham who becomes President and Director Emeritus of Twycross Zoo. She is the only woman zoological director of a major zoo in the UK and probably the youngest zoo director in the country.

Mrs Boardman plans to use her scientific and veterinary background to expand Twycross Zoo's already impressive record in science and education to look at new ways to keep animals, demonstrate their natural behaviours and be at the forefront of wild animal conservation and welfare.

"Animals in zoos should be able to display their natural behaviour - and visitors should come to see what animals 'do' as well as what they look like," she said. "By enabling this, I believe that people will develop an empathy with - and delight in - the animals that share their natural world.

"I want us to lead the way in conservation welfare," continued Mrs Boardman. "This is a new term that encompasses conservation of species both in the wild and in captivity while paying serious attention to the welfare needs of individuals. Twycross Zoo has always championed high standards of animal welfare, initiating many techniques that have improved the care of zoo animals worldwide. My vision will continue and expand on this work."

During the reception, Mrs Boardman is unveiling a commemorative portrait of the "Founders of Twycross Zoo with two hand-reared Bonobos" by Colin Breck to mark the grateful thanks and respect of the Trustees and Staff to Miss Badham and Miss Evans.

Yorkshire-born Suzanne Boardman comes to Twycross from the veterinary educational charity the Wildlife Information Network, which compiles and publishes the Wildpro electronic encyclopaedia - sharing information internationally between wildlife professionals to enable better standards of wild animal care around the world.

Ends

Issued on behalf of Twycross Zoo – East Midland Zoological Society by Woodcote Communications.

For further information please contact

Lindy Margach

Woodcote Communications, Tel: +44 (0) 20 8669 0686

OR

Suzanne Boardman, Director Twycross Zoo,

Tel: +44 (0) 1827 883 123; mobile 07834 55 2000

Notes for Editors:

  1. A photograph of Suzanne Boardman is available upon request.
  2. Mrs Boardman took over as director of Twycross Zoo – East Midland Zoological Society in April 2004, from Natalie Evans who retired after 40 years at the helm at Twycross. Molly Badham is President and Director Emeritus of the organisation.
  3. Mrs Boardman established the Wildlife Information Network 12 years ago when she was a veterinarian at London Zoo, receiving requests for information and technical support from all corners of the globe. The information existed, but was fragmented and, in emerging countries, very difficult to obtain. WIN was inaugurated as a paper network of newsletters and collated information. It became a registered charity (No. 1048059) in 1995. WIN is the first independent organisation to be elected an Affiliate Member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).