Dudley Zoo chief executive suspended amid conduct probe
The chief executive of Dudley Zoo, Peter Suddock, has been suspended on full pay pending a probe into his conduct, it was revealed this afternoon.
A statement from the Zoo said: "Mr Suddock has been suspended on full pay pending an investigation into his conduct of certain affairs of the Zoo.
"The suspension does not constitute disciplinary action by the Zoo. Whether or not disciplinary action is taken will depend upon the outcome of the investigation."
Mr Suddock's career began in the engineering industry before he became chief executive of Dudley Zoo in 1993.
In recent years he has overseen major restoration projects at the site in Castle Hill including the renovation of the attraction's famous chairlift.
He has seen a steady year-on-year increase in visitor numbers since 2008. More than 290,000 people visited the site in 2014.
He is a former chairman of the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, providing him with extensive experience of public sector business, charitable organisations and the tourism industry. He has links with BIAZA (British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquaria) and BALPPA (British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers & Attractions) at National level and EAZA (European Association of Zoos & Aquaria) at European level. Mr Suddock is also chairman of the Heart of England Attractions Group, a consortium of West Midlands leisure attractions.
