High-Profile Resignation Rocks London Zoo Leadership
The chief executive of London Zoo has abruptly resigned following an investigation into allegations of unacceptable workplace behaviour. Matthew Gould, a former high-flying diplomat and close friend of George Osborne, stepped down from his role at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) last week.
Investigation Uncovers Conduct Issues
In a letter sent to staff, ZSL's chair of trustees Jim Smith revealed that an internal investigation had determined Gould's conduct had fallen below the organisation's expected standards. The letter stated clearly that Gould resigned before the investigation had concluded, though no specific details about the nature of the conduct issues were provided.
Smith emphasised the organisation's commitment to maintaining proper standards, writing: "We are committed to living up to our values at every level of the organisation and ensuring a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for everyone." The executive director of ZSL has now stepped in as interim chief executive during this leadership transition.
Challenging Times for Conservation Charity
The resignation comes during a particularly difficult period for ZSL, which operates both London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. The organisation is approaching its bicentennial in 2026 while facing significant financial pressures. Funding cuts from both the Trump administration and UK government have forced the charity to seek substantial savings.
In October, ZSL 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 stated he was "doing everything possible" to avoid them.
Distinguished Career Before Zoo Role
Matthew Gould, 54, brought an impressive government background to his role at ZSL. His career included serving as:
- British Ambassador to Israel for five years
- Private secretary for foreign affairs at Downing Street
- Postings in Islamabad, Tehran and Washington DC
- First chief executive of NHSX during the COVID-19 pandemic
His connection to George Osborne dates back to their school days at St Paul's in west London, where both were members of the same chess club. Gould even spoke at Osborne's wedding to Thea Rogers in 2023.
A ZSL spokesperson confirmed the investigation was not related to the organisation's financial operations and assured that the matter had been "addressed promptly and appropriately." She added: "There are no wider implications for our staff or operations."
Meanwhile, Gould's LinkedIn profile simply states: "Plotting my next move," suggesting the former diplomat is already considering his future options following this sudden career departure.
