'GREAT LOSS': Dr Wong Hon Mun, 53, first joined the BirdPark as a vet in 1985.

Dr Wong Hon Mun, veterinarian and executive director of Jurong BirdPark, recently tendered his resignation, according to a staff member.

The exit of Dr Wong, who has been with the 20ha park for more than 20 years, came as a shock to industry watchers, who said that it would be a 'great loss' for the BirdPark.

His departure comes three months after Wildlife Reserves Singapore chairman Robert Kwan stepped down.

Dr Wong had been the third man to head the organisation. The first, zoology veteran Bernard Harrison, quit in 2002 amid talk of management differences.

The second, Mr Asad Shiraz, left a year later, after implementing a string of unpopular policies.

Mr Kwan has been widely credited with bringing the Singapore Zoo, the Jurong BirdPark and the Night Safari into the black after assuming his position in 2004.

The three parks registered a net profit of $13 million in 2005, the first time the company had posted gains.

Wildife Reserves Singapore board member Ngiam Tong Tau, the former chief of the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore, has assumed the role of acting chairman.

With the exit of Mr Kwan, a new position of group chief executive officer was created for Ms Fanny Lai, who was formerly the executive director of the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari.

She assumed her new role on Jan 1, said Dr Ngiam.

Dr Wong could not be reached for comment yesterday, but talk in the industry is that his resignation is linked to Mr Kwan's departure.

Dr Wong, 53, joined the Jurong BirdPark as a vet in 1985 before being promoted to executive director in 1994.

Jurong BirdPark staff said that Dr Wong had been well liked by everyone.

An employee who spoke on condition of anonymity said: 'Dr Wong is a wonderful guy who is very down to earth and approachable.'

He added that Dr Wong mingled well with the rank-and-file staff and never had any airs about him. He was also always willing to share his expertise.