John Pickering has hand-reared baby penguins and cared for scores of animals during his 47 year career,
John Pickering on-site at Sewerby Hall, Gardens and Zoo in the penguin enclosure(Image: East Riding of Yorkshire Council)
The headkeeper of a popular East Riding of Yorkshire tourist attraction has rubbed shoulders with royalty after journeying to Buckingham Palace for a Royal Garden Party.
John Pickering has worked at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, Bridlington for an astonishing 47 years, during which time he has cared for scores of animals and even hand-reared three penguins and a baby monkey. Now, as a mark of appreciation for his long-standing dedication to animal welfare, conservation, and community engagement, John has attended the Royal Garden Party which took place at the palace on Wednesday.
John was nominated by East Riding of Yorkshire Council in recognition of his outstanding public service. The authority says John’s attendance at the prestigious event reflects his exceptional contribution as well as how highly regarded he is by those at the attraction and beyond.
Having joined Sewerby Hall and Gardens in 1979, John has provided a safe haven for animals surrendered by private owners and collectors, ensuring their continued wellbeing.
He hand-reared three Humboldt penguins when their parents were unable to care for them. And he also cared for Rosie, believed to be the oldest Humboldt penguin in the world, who was just a few weeks short of her 33rd birthday when she died in 2023, as well as a baby monkey, who spent seven months being hand-reared at John’s home.
Over the years John has mentored countless keepers and apprentices, and also enhanced the visitor experience by developing keeper talks, feeding sessions, and animal encounters that have helped educate and inspire the public. John played a key role in managing the zoo’s response to both the Avian Influenza outbreak and the Covid-19 pandemic, helping to safeguard the welfare of animals, staff, and visitors during challenging times.
His commitment to sustainability has also been shown through initiatives such as reusing estate branches, repurposing fallen trees into bark mulch, and upcycling materials for enclosure improvements.
In recognition of his service, John has previously received the council’s Long Service Award, which it said further highlights a career defined by dedication, integrity, and professionalism.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We are delighted that John was invited to attend the Royal Garden Party in recognition of his remarkable service. His dedication over more than four decades has made a lasting impact on Sewerby Hall, Gardens and Zoo, along with the wider community. This honour is greatly deserved.”
John said: “I feel so honoured that my employers had nominated me to go to the garden party. I do my best for the animals and try and make their lives better, we rescue a lot of animals here so I like to think we are doing a lot of good work.
“I like to think I go above and beyond. Just really just stopping to put them to bed at night and things like that. And also hand-rearing them in my own home. I had Pickle for three months in my own home and before that, 23 years ago, Toby, and 24 years ago Webster. That’s a full time job, having to stay up until midnight to give them that last feed and then up first thing in the morning for them. I’d like to think that they know I try my best for then.”
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