Jo Gregson and Mike Bungard Promoted to Critical Positions at Paignton Zoo

By Philip Knowling

Paignton, UK - Two new appointments have been made at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park following the retirement of long-serving Curator of Birds & Reptiles Colin Bath.

Colin retired at the end of July after nearly 50 years with the Zoo.

The new Curator of Birds is Jo Gregson, who has been with the Zoo since 1974. She was Senior Head Keeper of Birds for 18 years.

Jo explained: “As curator I have as much work to do outside the Zoo as I do within it. I am presently heading Paignton Zoo’s involvement in the cirl bunting re-introduction project in Cornwall, while at the same time looking for other in situ projects. These roles are becoming increasingly important as our natural world shrinks and livestock becomes scarce.”

“Within the Zoo my first task is to set out a collection plan that is workable using the facilities and skills that we have here. It is vital that we maintain out skills with a broad variety of birds for future in situ projects.”

Jo is involved in the conservation of species such as the wrinkled hornbill, Socorro dove, orange-headed ground thrush and trumpeter hornbill. She sits on a number of Taxon Advisory Groups, which provide husbandry guidelines, regional collection plans and supervise breeding programmes. There are currently 40 TAGs for broad species classifications such as equids, terrestrial invertebrates and penguins.

An additional post has been created to reflect the growing importance of reptiles and amphibians in the Zoo’s collection. The new Curator of Lower Vertebrates & Invertebrates is Mike Bungard, previously the Curator of Zoology at Living Rainforest, in Newbury.

He is responsible for the Zoo’s acclaimed Crocodile Swamp exhibit, Reptile Tropics, Reptile Nursery, the giant tortoises and a planned new amphibian conservation facility.

Mike, who is already active within BIAZA, the British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria, said: “I want to contribute more thoroughly to conservation; this post gives me an unrivalled opportunity to join a well-respected and renowned collection. I want to capitalise on work I have already started with partner organisations such as the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group on Malagasy amphibian conservation.

“With amphibians facing an unparalleled rate of extinction, the amphibian ark will provide Paignton Zoo with the framework it needs to save such a vulnerable group of animals. Intelligent planning and targeted resources will see the collection evolve and connect to even more conservation projects, both local and overseas, in the future.”

Mike’s first task will be to take stock of the species in his care and to set about designing the new amphibian facility. His remit includes lower vertebrates such as reptiles, amphibians and fish, as well as invertebrates, which include ants, spiders, cockroaches and snails.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring (01803) 697500.

ENDS

Further information
Philip Knowling, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park Press Officer, 01803 697568
Paignton Zoo is a member of the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. Registered office: Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU. Registration number 792877. Registered charity number 300923. Place of incorporation: Companies House, Cardiff.