CEO Of Zoological Society of East Anglia to step down following 'widespread abuse'
It comes just a week after the organisation - which runs Banham Zoo and Africa Alive - announced it was cutting jobs
Last updated 4th Dec 2023
The Chief Executive of the The Zoological Society of East Anglia, the charity which runs Banham Zoo in Norfolk and Africa Alive in Suffolk, is set to resign.
Claudia Roberts says she's made the 'difficult decision' after facing 'widespread abuse' following the announcement of job cuts at the organisation last week.
In a statement, ZSEA wrote: "Claudia Roberts has been at the charity for the last four years and we would like to thank Claudia for her leadership and managing the charity in very challenging circumstances."
"Over recent years, the charity has survived the pandemic thanks to the efforts of the team and Claudia successfully lobbying to achieve the highest animal zoo grant funding in the country.
"The charity has weathered the economic crisis and increasing energy and supply chain costs. Despite this, we have been able to maintain our high quality veterinary care, animal management and stable visitor numbers.
"Last week, the charity announced a small number of redundancies to ensure long term financial stability.
"This decision was not taken lightly, and we thank the whole team for continuing to be so resilient through difficult times.
"Following this news, Claudia received widespread abuse. This behaviour is wholly unacceptable, and it is, in part because of this, Claudia is resigning.
"In the interest of curtailing any rumours and speculation, the Board of Trustees did not ask Claudia to resign, and we had full faith in her leadership of the charity.
"However, we understand her decision and wish her well with her future endeavours."
Claudia is set to remain post as CEO until a replacement is found. The charity says 'less than 10%' of its 200 staff are affected by the job cuts.