Let’s Celebrate:

As we reflect on the past quarter of a century, we have a truly remarkable milestone to celebrate: Paul Planck’s 25th work anniversary here at Plantasia Tropical Zoo. It’s a rare accomplishment and a testament to his commitment and passion for our zoo and its visitors. From starting as a 17-year-old trainee to his recent promotion as Operations Manager, Paul’s journey exemplifies the values of hard work, adaptability, and dedication that define our zoo.

Where the story began:

Paul’s career began with an NVQ apprenticeship in retail on Beaufort Road, leading him through many twists and turns. When he first joined Plantasia as a trainee, the zoo was managed solely by Swansea Council, who retained him on a casual contract. Supported by his then-manager Avril, who did everything she could to help him stay on board, Paul steadily worked his way up, moving from front-of-house responsibilities to become an invaluable fixture in the team. His role involved welcoming visitors and even handling the basic feeding of animals in emergencies – something that only zookeepers handle today.

Knowledge & experience:

Paul’s favourite spot at the zoo has always been the gift shop, where he found himself able to put his retail training into practice, developing a real knack for customer service. After a few years, Paul was promoted to Duty Manager, where he handled daily operations and ensured the smooth running of Plantasia’s many moving parts. Over time, he became a go-to figure, sharing his knowledge and experience with countless staff members, many of whom he saw come and go. His dedication and skills paved the way to his recent promotion to Operations Manager in September 2023, a position that has given him an expanded role, now fully managing stock levels, financial reporting, staffing, and overseeing health and safety.

Reflecting on his journey, Paul appreciates how no two days are ever the same, a quality that has kept his enthusiasm alive over the years. “I’ve always liked the way each day brings something different,” he shares, and feels it’s been a privilege to work with so many different teams over the years. His approach to staying with Plantasia for so long? “You take the good days with the bad.” And while challenges certainly come, he believes it’s the people he’s worked alongside who make it all worthwhile.

Changes:

Plantasia has transformed dramatically in recent years, especially since Parkwood Leisure joined in 2019. With changes like the addition of “Tropical Zoo” to our name, full BIAZA membership, an expanded animal collection, and more than £1 million invested into the site, we’ve seen tremendous growth. Paul is quick to note how much busier we’ve become thanks to these developments, and he’s proud to be part of this evolution. For him, each milestone in Plantasia’s journey has been a chance to grow and learn, particularly now as he takes on the operational responsibilities of his new role, setting his sights on next year as the “big test” in which he’ll fully manage his workload independently.

Appreciation:

To mark this milestone, Paul’s journey has been commemorated with a 25 years service golden badge, an engraved tankard, and some well-deserved words of appreciation from his current Manager, Paul Sheppard, and Parkwood Leisure’s head office team.

Anthony Williams, Assistant Regional Director for Wales & the South West at Parkwood Leisure, shared his appreciation:

“25 years of service to a venue is definitely something that should be celebrated, and Paul’s dedication to his roles at Plantasia Tropical Zoo is certainly worthy of commemoration. What is also worth noting is that Plantasia has been Paul’s only place of work since he left education all those years ago, and the Swansea attraction has certainly benefited from his years of service. For 25 years, Paul has been Mr Reliable at the local zoo; the one who can be relied upon by all colleagues to support, deliver, and lead by example. Paul would have greeted and trained dozens of colleagues over the years, as well as being the welcoming face to over a million visitors. All would have enjoyed his company, and Paul would certainly have made their stay that much more enjoyable. Paul is a hard worker and does everything to the highest of standards, but is very humble with it. Parkwood Leisure, Plantasia Tropical Zoo, and all his co-workers, are pleased to call Paul a colleague and friend, and we all look forward to celebrating the next 25 years with him. Congratulations, Paul, on this great achievement!”

Anthony’s words echo the gratitude and admiration felt by everyone at Plantasia, and it’s clear that Paul’s steadfast commitment has left an indelible mark on both his colleagues and the community.

Thank you, Paul, for 25 years of dedication, kindness, and passion for Plantasia. You’ve not only helped create unforgettable memories for our visitors but have also been an irreplaceable part of our journey and growth. Here’s to many more years of success and inspiring memories!