Terry Shelton (17 Apr 1975 - 17 May 2026)

In loving memory of Terry Shelton who sadly passed away on 17th May 2026.

The funeral will take place at Wyre Forest Crematorium at 10.30am on Friday 19th June followed by a gathering in memory of Terry at The Three Crowns and Sugar Loaf, Kidderminster. All are welcome.

Terry requested that attendees to his funeral wear something animal related.

As Terry has friends around the UK and world, the funeral will also be available online to enable a diverse attendance. Please click the Wesley Media Webcast URL added to this page and enter the PIN 588-1612

We are asking for just family flowers and are suggesting donations to the Terry Shelton Zookeepers Fund - please use the clickable link added to this page.

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Terry was born in Kidderminster to Mike and June. The youngest of 3 with older sisters Keren and Suzanne. When Terry was 11, Keren had his his first nephew Nick, followed by Mike, Emma and Susie.

He had a couple of main interests in life, football and animals. He had quite a talent as a goalkeeper and played for Franche boys and had a try out for Birmingham City. He was a life-long Southampton Football club (The Saints), supporter something he shared with his dad, and his sister Suzanne.

Terry had a passion for animals which he shared with his mom, and he grew up with dogs and other small mammals as pets. This interest led to his career. Initially he worked in a pet shop, but he always wanted to work in a zoo and start at Twycross in 2000 as an elephant keeper.

At Twycross, Terry met his wife, Joanna who also worked there and they married in 2004.

Terry worked with elephants at Twycross zoo, Blackpool Zoo, Woburn Safari Park, Colchester Zoo and Australia zoo and at Dartmoor Zoo, Linton Zoo and Flamingoland with a range of other animals. He became one of the most experienced and capable elephant keepers in the country and was the Co-chair of the elephant tag group for BIAZA.

Sadly, Terry was diagnosed with cancer last Christmas, which led to his death.

Terry was an exceptionally lovely person. He was strong, funny, and caring. Messages towards the end of his life showed how important he was to people and that he was an outstanding mentor for others. He knew what he wanted and what he liked. He was very intelligent, knowledgeable and had a good understanding of life.

He will be very missed.