The chief executive of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), which operates London and Whipsnade zoos, has resigned amid allegations of “unacceptable workplace behaviour”.
Matthew Gould, who had been the charity’s CEO since 2022, stepped down from the role this month after the launch of an investigation into his conduct, the Guardian reported.
A ZSL spokesperson told Civil Society that the investigation found Gould’s professional behaviour “fell below the standard we expect”.
They also confirmed that Gould, who previously held senior government roles including as British ambassador to Israel for five years, resigned before the investigation had concluded.
Meanwhile, Kathryn England, the ZSL’s former chief operating officer, had been appointed as interim CEO to lead the charity into 2026.
“We are not sharing any further details on an internal matter,” the spokesperson said.
“ZSL’s work continues unchanged, and we are committed to maintaining a culture that lives up to our values and ensuring the organisation continues to be a supportive and respectful place to work.”
Gould’s LinkedIn bio currently reads “plotting my next move” and has been updated to show he ceased working as ZSL’s CEO in November 2025.
Civil Society has contacted Gould for comment.
Redundancy scheme
Gould’s departure came after the charity confirmed last month that it had run a voluntary redundancy scheme following cuts to its funding and rising staff costs.
At the time, the charity attributed the scheme to a “challenging year” for UK tourism and the global conservation sector.
It also cited an “abrupt cut to USAID funding and the increase in employer national insurance contributions”, as well as recent UK government cuts to overseas aid, as additional reasons behind its decision.
