Zoo appoints amphibians and invertebrates curator
Durrell Wildlife Conservation TrustJersey Zoo has a new head of amphibians and invertebrates.
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) has promoted Ciaran Westgate from deputy to curator of herpetology and invertebrates.
Westgate joined the zoo in 2021 and is engaged in Durrell's conservation programmes for Mauritian reptiles, St Lucia racer snakes, mountain chicken frogs and agile frogs.
He said he was honoured to have been appointed since "as a herpetologist and an all-round planet earth lover, the role really encompasses everything I am passionate about".
Prior to Jersey Zoo Westgate worked at Tilgate Zoo and Sea Life Brighton in West Sussex.
He is also the vice chair of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums Reptile and Amphibian Working Group and co-ordinates the European breeding programme for the emerald tree monitor, a small lizard.
"Durrell's stories and vision are very close to my heart and I am looking forward to continuing the inspirational work of my predecessors, to deliver true impact, both here in Jersey and around the world," Westgate added.
He is replacing Matt Goetz who joined Durrell 24 years ago and became curator of herpetology and the interim director of zoo operations and who has been appointed as curator of herpetology and aquarium for Wilhelma Zoo Stuttgart.
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