MARWELL Zoo has filled the vacancy of chief executive almost two years after the resignation of Mark Edgerley.

The zoo announced James Cretney, picture below, as its new boss to replace Mr Edgerley who left in September 2003 after falling out with the board of trustees.

Mr Cretney will be the fourth boss since 1998. The zoo, which has a staff of about 100 staff, and a £5m annual turnover, attracts 400,000 visitors a year.

Marwell was recently in the news when a rare Amur leopard cub escaped from its enclosure and was mauled to death by its father.

An ex-captain in the Royal Dragoon Guards, Mr Cretney has also run an equine welfare charity, the Friends of Bristol Horses Society.

The charity was renamed HorseWorld and moved from equine retirement to rescue and rehabilitation with a strong educational mission. He owns ponies and plays polo.

A statement said: "James also brings corporate management and strategic experience to Marwell, where his duties will focus on the future development of the zoo."

James is married to Suzanna, a physiotherapist and has two daughters under three.

Mr Cretney said: "I am thrilled to be at Marwell. We have found moving to Hampshire a real joy. The people are very friendly. Our families are in Sussex which is also a great plus. Coming to one of the UK's top zoos is a real honour and I am looking forward to working with staff and trustees at this famous conservation zoo."