New chief executive at Bristol Zoo Gardens

The new chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, with responsibility for Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project, is Dr Justin Morris.

Dr Morris said: "I am thrilled and delighted to be appointed. These jobs are a privilege.

“I think it’s one of those iconic landmarks, iconic organisations and iconic visitor attractions. Everyone I have come across who has lived in Bristol or who has touched Bristol in some way has been to the Zoo.”

Dr Morris said he wanted to trumpet the conservation work carried out through Bristol Zoological Society. Currently the society is working in 15 different countries helping endangered species including lemurs, African penguins, Western lowland gorillas and giraffe.

His family are all excited about him becoming chief executive of the Zoo: “It is for me something of a homecoming. My grandmother who is 95 and lives in Bristol is over the moon, she is so happy about the prospect of her eldest grandson returning to Bristol and leading the Zoo.”

Dr Morris officially takes over from Dr Bryan Carroll on August 1. Dr Carroll, who has been at the Zoo for 22 years and chief executive since 2010, is retiring.