Jersey Zoo Director Signals Shift Away From Crowd-Pleasers Toward Endangered Species

Jersey Zoo’s new director has suggested the attraction could move away from popular animals and instead focus more heavily on endangered species, as he works to address recent challenges facing the site.

Mark Habben, who took over the role in January, acknowledged he joined the organisation during a difficult period. The zoo has seen visitor numbers fall from 209,474 in 2023 to 175,940 in 2024, alongside a £4.8 million deficit. The organisation has also faced allegations relating to animal welfare and workplace bullying, which the zoo denies.

Habben said he aims to develop a long-term “masterplan” that would involve filling empty enclosures and potentially phasing out species that do not contribute directly to conservation goals. Animals such as meerkats could be removed under this approach.

Calling the position “the job of a lifetime,” Habben said he had long admired the zoo’s founder, Gerald Durrell. In his new role, he will oversee day-to-day operations, lead animal care teams and work closely with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust’s international projects.

He acknowledged rebuilding trust would take time but stressed that challenges were a natural part of any organisation’s journey. “Every organisation goes through periods that are challenging,” he said. “But that doesn’t define who we are.”

Looking ahead, Habben said he wants the zoo to better reflect the trust’s global conservation work within five years. This could mean removing some non-endangered species and introducing lesser-known animals, including invertebrates and freshwater fish.

“Meerkats would be quite a strong example of an animal where I’d question what their role is,” he said, adding that he would consider removing them in the future.

Habben also addressed concerns about animal deaths after reports suggested 72 animals had died over 18 months. He clarified the figure related to a two-year period and noted that many animals were living longer, which can bring age-related health issues.

“It may look concerning, but when examined case by case, it reflects the number of animals we have and those being born,” he said, adding he was not worried about welfare standards, which he described as “excellent.”

Improving accessibility and reducing empty enclosures are among his immediate priorities, with several projects already planned — including the opening of a new gorilla enclosure in the spring.

Habben said he welcomed scrutiny from the public and hoped to honour the zoo’s legacy while shaping its future.

“I really want to embrace what people think about the zoo, what it has meant to them, and what it could mean going forward,” he said.