Zookeepers at two of the region’s biggest zoos are set to lose their jobs following another wave of redundancies.

The charity behind Banham Zoo and Africa Alive said four employees, who are all trainee zookeepers, will be made redundant as part of wider changes to its operating model.

This includes adjustments to opening times at both attractions during the off-peak season, which the charity said has resulted in a “small number of roles becoming redundant”.

The latest round of layoffs comes after around 10pc of its 200 staff lost their jobs last year due to what the charity described as “relentless” cost increases, with “significant savings” needed to keep the parks open.

It led to the charity's former boss Claudia Roberts quitting as CEO, claiming she had received “widespread abuse” following those redundancies.

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Previously, more than 70 jobs were cut across the two parks in 2020 – a third of the total workforce at the time.

Banham ZooBanham Zoo (Image: Archant)

“In shaping a sustainable future for both Banham Zoo and Africa Alive, the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), the charity that runs the zoos, will be announcing a change in operating model, including adjustments to opening times during the off-peak season, in line with many other leading UK zoos and safari parks,” the charity said.

“Consequently, we have made staffing changes, with a small number of roles becoming redundant. And whilst some employees have moved to other roles within the organisation, we regretfully confirm that four employees will be leaving the organisation.

“We have been in consultation with all of those at risk since July.”

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The charity said it will still have trainee keepers at the zoos, but they will be on seasonal, fixed-term contracts “in line with business demand”.

The four trainees set to lose their jobs were all on permanent contracts.