Marwell founder's book signing (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Marwell founder's book signing

6:00am Sunday 8th November 2009 in News By Andrew Napier

THE man who founded Marwell Zoo will be signing copies of his autobiography - in a hotel across the car park from the zoo.

John Knowles established the zoo in the 1970s but resigned in 2006 after a disagreement with the board of trustees over links with conservation in Africa.

The rift has never been healed and Mr Knowles has never been back to the zoo, one of Hampshire's biggest tourist attractions.

In his recently-published autobiography My Marwellous Life, he outlines the causes of the rift and expresses his disappointment that much of his legacy has been "swept away."

Mr Knowles, 80, said he was unhappy that the board has not acknowledged that it has been proved wrong in not supporting his Back to Africa project in Swaziland.

"I no longer wanted to be associated the board decisions as they were at that time. That is how it stands.

"Sometimes the baby grows up to a point where it and the parent don't see the world in the same way."

A friend, who asked not to be named, said: "I think it is just ridiculous. The founder of the zoo is being ignored. It would not be here if it was not for him."

Mr Knowles' book signing will be at the Marwell Hotel today from noon to 2pm.

James Cretney, the zoo director, was away on business and unavailable for comment.