Bosses at Norfolk biggest zoo have appointed a new consultant to oversee controversial plans to move away from exotic animals and focus instead on native wildlife.
Banham Zoo - which is known for its vast collection of overseas creatures - is planning to create new attractions which concentrate instead on the plight of endangered insects and flowers from the British Isles.
The scheme has been heavily criticised by some supporters for undermining the traditional appeal of the site, near Attleborough.
But the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), which runs Banham Zoo and Africa Alive in Suffolk, is pushing ahead with the plans and has appointed Sharon Redrobe as its strategic zoological consultant to help deliver the scheme.
Dr Redrobe said: "I'm excited to be working with the chief executive Claudia Roberts in evaluating strategies and aligning them with the ZSEA masterplan.
“Together, we will focus on enhancing conservation knowledge, advancing national and international sector aspirations, exploring new perspectives, and identifying opportunities for optimal positioning and funding.”
READ MORE: Banham Zoo unveils plans to increase focus on native species
READ MORE: Resident launches Save Banham Zoo petition in protest
Dr Redrobe has more than 25 years of experience as a senior zoo and conservation professional, including ten years as the chief executive of Twycross Zoo where she successfully steered the organisation from special measures to profitability.
She also has 20 years of experience as a UK government zoo inspector and was honoured with an OBE for her outstanding services to skills, science, and the economy in 2017.
Bosses behind the plans claim the vision will see Banham Zoo becoming a centre of excellence for conservation.
Ms Roberts said: “We have an ambitious and exciting vision to deliver, and we are delighted to welcome Sharon on board to ensure we have the zoological expertise to continue to deliver vitally important international and native breeding programmes.”
The ZSEA said it is confident that Dr Sharon Redrobe's appointment will reinforce the organisation's commitment to conservation, animal welfare, and sustainable practices.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here