High-Profile Exit at London Zoo
Matthew Gould, the chief executive of London Zoo, has resigned from his position following an investigation into allegations of unacceptable workplace behaviour. The former British ambassador to Israel stepped down last week before the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) could complete its internal probe.
Investigation Findings and Leadership Response
In a letter sent to staff, Jim Smith, chair of ZSL trustees, confirmed that the investigation had found Gould's conduct 'fell below the standard we expect'. Smith emphasised the organisation's commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees.
The executive director of ZSL has now stepped in as interim chief executive, with Smith stating the leadership team remains focused on 'honesty, integrity and accountability at its heart'. A ZSL spokesperson confirmed the matter was not related to the charity's financial operations and had been addressed promptly.
Challenging Times for Conservation Charity
Gould's departure comes during a difficult period for the 200-year-old conservation organisation. ZSL is facing significant financial pressures due to cuts in aid funding from both the UK government and former Trump administration in the US.
Just last October, the charity launched a voluntary redundancy scheme aiming to reduce costs by £2 million annually. At the time, Gould acknowledged he couldn't rule out compulsory redundancies but was attempting to avoid them.
The 54-year-old executive, who counts former chancellor George Osborne as a close friend from their schooldays at St Paul's, had a distinguished government career before joining ZSL in September 2022. His previous roles included:
- British ambassador to Israel
- Chief executive of NHSX during the pandemic
- Postings in Washington DC, Islamabad and Tehran
- Foreign affairs private secretary at Downing Street
In a recent interview, Gould had expressed his enthusiasm for his zoo role, stating he couldn't see anything he'd rather be doing. His LinkedIn profile now simply reads: 'Plotting my next move'.
The organisation has confirmed that its conservation work continues unchanged despite the leadership transition, with ZSL preparing to celebrate its bicentennial in 2026.
