Chester Zoo’s former director of animals and plants, Mike Jordan, has been appointed to the role of zoological director at Loro Parque in Tenerife, Spain.
Jordan has more than 30 years’ experience in zoos, academia and international conservation.
He first joined Chester Zoo as curator of mammals, birds and conservation training in the early 2000s, before serving as senior conservation advisor to the South African government in zoos and game reserves from 2009.
He then returned to Chester Zoo in 2015 as its director of animals and plants.
Since then, he has pioneered the development of a long-term conservation plan, helped shape the zoo’s strategy for its animals and plants, and worked closely with the IUCN on global conservation projects.
Jordan said in a statement: “It is a huge honour to be joining Loro Parque, one of the world’s leading modern zoos that is respected globally for its dedication to wildlife and its innovative approach.
“To join this team is an extraordinary opportunity, and I look forward to helping shape its future.”
Wolfgang Kiessling, president and founder of Loro Parque, said: “Mike Jordan brings world-class experience and knowledge of animals and zoos. He also has a deep passion for conservation that we share at Loro Parque.
Loro Parque expands management team
“His appointment marks a significant milestone in our commitment to zoological excellence and environmental education, principles that have guided us for more than 50 years.”
Jordan’s appointment comes after Loro Parque expanded its management team with the additions of Ricardo Fernández de la Puente as director of institutional relations and Raúl Díaz as director of communication.
Back in the UK, Chester Zoo recently celebrated the hatching of 10 Humboldt penguin chicks, with one chick being raised by a same-sex penguin couple named Scampi and Flounder.
Images courtesy of Loro Parque
