Siblings take over as managing directors of Drusillas Park in Alfriston

Brother and sister team, Ollie Smith and Cassie Poland, used to visit the park as babies in the 1990s and have officially taken the reins of Drusillas Park, in Alfriston.

Their parents Laurence and Christine Smith acquired the park in 1997, meaning that Ollie and Cassie were frequent visitors.

They both worked their way up the ranks over the years, taking on various roles in the zoo, before spending time at the helm under the guidance of their parents.

• READ MORE: Brighton woman launches Gofundme to raise money for cat's lifesaving treatment

Resigning from his role as managing director this month, Laurence said: “Since we reopened in May 2021 Cassie and Ollie have effectively been running Drusillas.

"My role has deliberately changed, and the next step is for me to give myself a new title of Chairman.

Cassie and Ollie have become the managing directors of Drusillas Park

"They’ve done a great job in difficult circumstances over the last year, and they have been ably supported by the managers and senior staff, for which I’m most grateful.

"I’ll still be working on a part time basis - I don’t want the gold watch quite yet.”

Cassie started her career in the retail and warehouse team, then spent time in the education department, before heading up the marketing department for six years.

• READ MORE: Christina Aguilera revealed as Brighton Pride headline act

When Christine retired in 2018, Cassie assumed a leadership role as joint deputy managing director, taking on many of her duties.

Ollie first joined the team in 2009 working in the zoo, he joined the Playland team in 2010, and returned from university to run the marketing team as maternity cover for Cassie in 2013, before taking up the directorship in 2020.

The pair’s sister, Caroline Steer, also used to work at the park for over six years before leaving to raise her children, she remains a director, serving on the Management Board.

The news comes amidst several big developments spearheaded by the siblings; the recent opening of Spark - a sensory attraction, renovation of the park’s under fives play area, migration to a new ticketing system, a new naturalistic animal enclosure, and the upcoming opening of The Rainforest Adventure attraction.