Zoo makes 12 employees redundant

A zoo in Leicestershire has made some of its workers redundant, for the first time in its 45-year history.

Twelve full-time positions have been axed at Twycross Zoo, including the post of deputy director.

Other jobs lost were in gardening, administration and catering, but no workers in animal care are affected.

The zoo stressed the 150 seasonal posts, for which thousands of people applied in a recruitment drive earlier this year, were not affected.

Kim Riley from the zoo confirmed the 12 staff made redundant had already left the company.

She said the economic climate had led to the job losses.

Zoo director Suzanne Boardman said "We deeply regretted having to make these decisions, but it was a necessity in these difficult economic times.

"This has been a distressing time for all those involved."