It is with great sadness we report the passing of John (‘Shep’) Mallet, former Curator of Birds at Jersey Zoo, on 9 February at the age of 82. Shep, but he was a great character in the annals of the Jersey Zoo and Trust, perhaps most famously for working with Gerry Durrell on a breeding programme for the rare White-eared Pheasant in the 1960s, before most zoos were doing such things. In addition to his ability looking after birds he also had a natural talent for mentoring and encouraging the many international students who worked alongside him in the zoo. He was also known for his jokes and pranks, which everyone fell for. He features in several of Durrell's books. I recall our first meeting, Shep was disarmingly friendly and open, and when he talked about birds he became animated and his eyes sparkled, such was his enthusiasm. He had a particular love for pheasants and wildfowl although all birds interested him. Condolences to his wife Margaret and daughter Catherine. https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2018/02/15/tributes-paid-following-death-of-zoos-ex-birdkeeper-shep-mallet/
