Dudley Zoo has been given a clean bill of health following inspection of its care and conservation techniques.

Five licensing inspectors – including two vets – examined the zoo on behalf of Dudley Council and Government environment chiefs as part of routine checks.

The inspection team considered all aspects of work at the zoo, including animal welfare, conservation, education and research.

Zoo chief executive Peter Suddock said: “The inspection results in the production of a fully detailed report, testing against national standards.”

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Dudley Zoo has been given a clean bill of health following inspection of its care and conservation techniques.

Five licensing inspectors – including two vets – examined the zoo on behalf of Dudley Council and Government environment chiefs as part of routine checks.

The inspection team considered all aspects of work at the zoo, including animal welfare, conservation, education and research.

Zoo chief executive Peter Suddock said: “The inspection results in the production of a fully detailed report, testing against national standards.

“These inspections take place every six years with an interim inspection every three.

“During the inspection comment was made on how much the zoo had improved in the last six years and inspectors were complimentary about Lemur Wood, Wallaby Walkthrough, general improvements of the smaller exhibits such as yellow mongoose, and the renewal of the aviaries.

“They also complimented us on the high standard of tidiness and cleanliness of the site.”

Mr Suddock said the inspection team had highlighted just three minor recommendations ahead of ambitious plans for a £40 million redevelopment of the Castle Hill site.

“The inspection threw up no conditions and just three recommendations, firstly that our current high standards of site tidiness are maintained when the development programme is under way; a change of system for disposal of out-of-date drugs and, thirdly, the labelling of animal waste,” he said.