Dudley Zoo celebrates 2020 with announcement of new name
It's a New Year and a new name for Dudley Zoo – as the attraction officially announced its rebranding to kick-start 2020.
Dudley Zoological Gardens will now be known as Dudley Zoo and Castle (DZC), returning to the name it last used almost two decades ago.
The name comes as the attraction marks the 950th anniversary of the castle on the grounds.
Zoo director Derek Grove said: "This year marks the 950th anniversary of the building of a motte and bailey castle in Dudley and this timely milestone provides the perfect opportunity to implement our long held ambition to readopt the trade name Dudley Zoo and Castle (DZC).
"The zoo and castle, which is at the heart of the 40-acre site, have been intrinsically linked since 1937 and we felt the inclusion of Castle within our name will aid the continued promotion of the 11th century monument and the zoo as a whole."
The new name, which will be rolled out across staff uniforms, branded shop merchandise, stationery, website, promotional literature, social media and signage, will be a progressive change over the coming months to maintain minimal costs.
Bosses have said the logo has been designed by the in-house graphic designer and implemented in-house to also keep costs low.
2020 is an exciting time for Dudley Zoo and Castle – staff are currently in the process of submitting an outline planning application for the new outdoor orangutan enclosure, which they hope to start later this year as they're still fundraising towards the final target.
A few animals will also be moved around the site, including the African wild dogs, as their current enclosure will become the new orang enclosure. A new enclosure will be built for our four wild dogs.
This year will also see the return of European brown bears to DZC following the renovation of the iconic Tecton Bear Ravine.
The zoo is hoping to have a group of orphaned European brown bears join the attraction from Slovakia in the coming months.
