We've decided to get to know some of our local business partners a bit better - and today we speak to Cassie Poland and Ollie Smith from Drusillas Park...

Please tell us about your business and what you offer to visitors coming to Brighton

Cassie says: Drusillas Park has been one of the top family days out in Sussex since 1925! As well as a zoo with over 80 species, we offer indoor and outdoor playgrounds, seven family-friendly rides, a splash pad, soft play, free gaming arcade, adventure maze and more. We’re passionate about providing an exceptional day out, alongside educating and championing wildlife conservation.

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What do you like most about what you do?

Ollie says: What I love about working at Drusillas is the variety of roles and responsibilities it brings, no two days are ever the same. Our main objective is giving visitors a really memorable and special experience. Whenever we get a fantastic piece of customer feedback you know you’ve achieved that, which is incredibly rewarding.

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What inspired you to start your business?

Cassie says: Drusillas Park is actually a 100-year-old family-run business, founded in 1925, by the Ann family, which was acquired by our parents Laurence and Christine Smith in 1997. We took over as joint Managing Directors in 2021 and it has been fantastic to return to the Park where we spent our childhoods!

Our parents' hard work truly established Drusillas as a much-loved family attraction, carving out a really exciting path for us to continue. We’ve worked hard to maintain their careful balance of preserving deeply historic parts of the Park, and introducing new and innovative offerings, keeping it both nostalgic and exciting for many years to come.

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What is the best thing about your work?

Cassie says: I feel very privileged to be doing a job I love and am thankful I get to work closely with my family. I am very excited about the future of Drusillas and really enjoy working hard to ensure it remains a place where families can create magical fun-filled memories together.

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What is your average day like, or is it never average?

Cassie says: Our days are rarely what you'd call average - and that's exactly what makes our work so exciting. One moment we’re planning strategic ideas, from future park developments to upcoming events, and the next we’re addressing the more immediate (and inevitable!) complaints that come our way. We hold regular meetings with our Department Managers, conduct tours of the zoo and gardens, plan marketing and communications strategies, and can often be found with a tape measure in hand, figuring out the perfect location for a new sign! No two days are the same!

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What would you like to be doing as an alternative career?

Cassie says: Oh, that’s a tough one – I really do love my job and the variety, challenge and learning it brings! But if I had to choose an alternative path, I’d probably follow one of my passions – something creative like working with flowers, photography, or perhaps something in the world of vintage fashion. I’ve always loved vintage clothes and  collect vintage hats – so who knows, maybe I’d become a milliner!

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What is next for you and your business?

Ollie says: Alongside celebrating our 100^th year, this summer we will open a brand-new interactive farm area, a completely unique experience not currently found in UK zoos. We are also excited to welcome spider monkey later this year, and have recently completed a full redevelopment of a new gibbon habitat. Alongside these projects, we are building momentum behind Drusillas Conservation in Action. Each of these developments is designed to strengthen our visitor experience, support animal welfare, and ensure Drusillas continues to thrive as a high-quality, inclusive, and memorable day out for everyone.

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What do you like most about Brighton and what is the best thing you like to do in the city?

Cassie says: What’s not to love about Brighton? There’s always something fun and vibrant happening! My ideal day would start with a swim at Sea Lanes, followed by a relaxing seafront sauna and a coffee and pastry from FIKA Beach. Then I’d stroll along the promenade into town and spend time exploring the Lanes - hunting for antiques, vintage clothes, and admiring all the beautiful, sparkly antique jewellery. I’d love to re-visit the Royal Pavilion - it’s such a stunning and interesting building, and it’s been a while since I last went. To finish the day? Cocktails and a tasting menu at one of Brighton’s amazing independent restaurants like FURNA, Etch, or Dilsk - they’re all incredibly talented and it’s always a special treat!

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Thank you!