Alongside improving the zoo’s reputation, Habben wanted to look at its future.
In five years’ time, he hoped the zoo would be filled with animals which represented the work the trust does globally.
He admitted this might involve removing some species which were not endangered.
He said: “Meerkats would be quite a strong example of an animal that I’d wonder what the role of a meerkat is.
“At some point, I think I probably would [get rid of them].
“I think that’s as fair as I can say at this moment in time.”
He said there might be similar “social, gregarious” animals which are a better fit for the zoo’s mission.
He said he would like to house species which were not showcased as much, including invertebrates and freshwater fish.