UP to 26 permanent and nine seasonal job roles will be cut at West Midland Safari Park.

Following a full-scale review of the park's operations, bosses have confirmed that 72 staff in management, administration, commercial and service support departments will be going through a redundancy consultation process.

It is expected that up to 26 permanent roles and nine seasonal roles will then be lost.

Darren Chorley, managing director of West Midland Safari Park, said: "Our recent review of the park and its operations has now ended and sadly a conclusion is that a number of staff will be taken through a redundancy consultation.

"The jobs we are consulting on are predominantly management, administration, commercial and service support roles.

"Employees who hold animal care, education and core engineering jobs will not be part of the consultation process.

"Our high levels of safety, visitor satisfaction and animal care will not be compromised.

"We realise how unsettling this decision will be for our staff, but we will be consulting with them about their options and supporting them through the process over the next few weeks.

"As one of the region's showpiece attractions, and alongside our owners Looping Group, we have a responsibility to make sure the park remains financially viable and is here for visitors to enjoy and explore for many years to come."

Last month, The Shuttle reported on staff concerns over rumoured job cuts at the site.

The Bewdley park, which is home to around 140 species including elephants, rhino, and lions, was taken over by French leisure provider The Looping Group in December.

It attracted around 700,000 visitors to Wyre Forest last year.