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New boss at Dudley Zoo: Running landmark is a family affair

He has taken over the running of one of the Black Country's most popular attractions at a crucial point in its history.

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And Dudley Zoo's new director Derek Grove says he wants to keep up the rapid pace of change at the site, which has seen visitor numbers rocket in recent years.

The zoo is undergoing a huge transformation with new buildings, a joint entrance with the neighbouring Black Country Living Museum and a new visitor centre.

Mr Grove took over from former chief executive Peter Suddock, who stepped down from the role 'by mutual agreement' in April, following suspension amid an investigation into his conduct.

A lemur makes an appearance with Lynne Grove, director Derek Grove, David Grove, Sam Grove, all of Stourbridge, and Cerys Grove, of Swindon

Mr Grove, aged 52, said: "Over the coming years it is important that the zoo continues to change at a similar pace like it has done."

And he wants to bring in more exhibitions and expand the range of animals - while also focusing on conservation.

He originally started at the zoo in 1980 as a keeper, working his way through the ranks to head curator in his last role.

He said: "I always wanted to improve the zoo and the level of animal care.

"Animal care is always at the forefront of our decisions and we are working towards improving what we can do for them."

"It's about making it a more interesting visitor experience and bringing in more exhibitions too."

After a steep decline in visitor numbers during the 80s and 90s, numbers have steadily been on the up growing at five per cent per year over the last ten years.

Mr Grove intends his past experience and passion for the animals will also allow him to create a powerful force for wildlife conservation.

Mr Grove originally started at the zoo in 1980 as a keeper, working his way through the ranks to head curator in his last role.
Dudley Zoological Gardens director Derek Grove, of Stourbridge

He said: "Pushing into more conservation is all within our zoo ethos, we want to develop every possible aspect.

"One of my favourite times spent here over the years has been working alongside the elephants - which I did for 18 years.

"I went over to France with them in 2003 to a elephant safari park and that was one of the last times I then worked with the animals before becoming curator.

"I stayed with them for a few weeks to help them acclimatise and to introduce them to their new carers.

"Being in a senior position has allowed me to be able to bring about change and most importantly change for the animals.

David Grove driving the zoo train in 2000

But his new position as director will also continue to add to the Grove fabric at the zoo - as his wife, two children and father have also worked there over the past 35 years, making it a real family affair.

Mr Grove, 52, said: "I started as a trainee keeper in 1980. Before that I was a heating engineer.

"I actually came here to do a heating job in the hippo house and I stood and watched some keepers breaking ice on the moat and it looked good.

"I thought 'I would like to do that' but it probably was a bit of a shock when on an ice cold morning you find yourself really doing it – maybe it wasn't as fun as it looked then.

"I've always loved my job and the animals and I have been lucky to be able to play a vital part in their wellbeing over the years."

Growing up with their father at the zoo, Mr Grove's two children, Cerys and Sam, were more than likely to follow in his footsteps.

Cerys, now 25, started working seasonal at the zoo in 2006 after leaving school.

Not before long she was signed up as a student zoo keeper but has since left to pursue other ventures including owning her own pub in Swindon, which continues with the animal vibe as being dog friendly.

However, Sam, 22, has continued to work at the zoo, recently being promoted to senior keeper.

Mr Groves said he could even see his own children working at the zoo in the future.

He said: "When I was at school everyone loved the fact Dad worked at the zoo. It was something different.

"I started working here in 2009. I left college as I felt it wasn't really for me as they encourage you to go down a normal route of getting a trade.

"I work with the primates, apes and reptiles, but I've got to say my favourite animal would be the baby orang-utan Sprout."

Stepmother, Lynne, also works at the zoo but in a less animal orientated role.

Mrs Grove, 57, was promoted to office manager this year, after previously working as PA to the chief executive at the zoo since 2000.

She insisted that despite loving the animals she would not be inclined to follow family footsteps and work with them.

Lastly, David Grove, father to Derek, completes the Dudley Zoo famous five.

Mr Grove, 79, only started work at the zoo after finishing his previous job at 61.

Sam Grove, Lynne Grove, director Derek Grove, Cerys Grove, and David Grove

He said: "My wife said I didn't need a job but I was looking for something to do again and the role as train driver for one day a week came up at the zoo.

"After working on the train, I was approached to work as Santa too, so I had some varied roles.

"I was a bit of handy man too and was qualified as a PAT tester. I would come in a couple of days a week and eventually knocked it down to a couple of times a month, before finishing fully a couple of years ago."

The Groves, who are from Stourbridge, say that despite working together they still remain a close knit family, meeting up on weekends.

Dudley Zoological Gardens, on Castle Hill, opened in 1937 and covers an area of approximately 40 acres, and is today home to more than 1300 animals.

It is open from 10 am with last admission at 4 pm, and features a range of scheduled activities on offer through the summer season.

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