People / 10 Questions
10 Questions: John Partridge
Photography by Joseph Pymar
John Partridge is Bristol Zoo’s senior curator of animals. He heads up the animal department at the zoo, as well as being one of its longest-serving members of staff.
After joining in January 1975, John’s first job as a Bristol Zoo keeper was with the apes.
is needed now More than ever
1. What was your earliest ambition?
“To work with animals in a zoo. I’ve always had an interest in domestic and exotic wildlife. It started with keeping pets at home, being a keen bird watcher and then visiting zoos. Working for a wildlife conservation organisation was my ambition from an early age.
2. How physically fit are you?
“Not as fit as I used to be. I spend a lot of my working day sitting behind a desk. I miss the day to day physical activity that I used to enjoy when working on the animal sections with species like elephants and giraffes. The work was physically hard but it kept me fit.”
3. If you were mayor of Bristol for the day, what would you do?
“I’d spend the day learning more about all of the wildlife conservation work that goes on in this amazing city. “
4. Where is your favourite holiday destination?
“Pembrokeshire. I love the countryside and the beautiful coastline and there are some lovely towns and villages.”
5. What’s your biggest extravagance?
“My car and a recent holiday to Australia.”
6. In what place in Bristol are you happiest?
“The Downs. The harbourside. Bristol Hippodrome. And, of course, Bristol Zoo and Wild Place. It’s impossible to have just one favourite place in this city.”
7. What ambitions do you still have?
“I recently achieved a long-standing ambition to visit Australia. A second visit would be good! It’s such a large and diverse country so visiting just once could never be enough.”
8. What is the greatest achievement of your life so far?
“My family – wife, children, grandchildren – and all living in Bristol.”
9. Can you sum up Bristol in a sentence?
“A busy, vibrant city with a fascinating mixture of cultures.”
10. What is your favourite secret spot in Bristol?
“If I told you that, it wouldn’t be a secret! Blaise Hamlet. A beautiful little group of dwellings managed by The National Trust. It’s tucked away in a secluded corner of Henbury. A visit will take you back in time.”
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