Introduction to Damian Aspinall
Damian Aspinall often encounters two different yet intertwined worlds: the glamorous life of a British businessman and the dedicated work of a passionate conservationist. Born into the famous Aspinall family, he inherited not only a name associated with casinos and wealth but also a deep connection to wildlife and conservation. Today, Damian Aspinall is widely recognised for his outspoken views on zoos, his leadership of The Aspinall Foundation, and his ambitious rewilding projects. This article offers an in-depth examination of Damian Aspinall’s early life, career, conservation efforts, controversies, and personal life, providing a comprehensive overview of the man behind the headlines.
Early Life of Damian Aspinall
Damian Aspinall, whose full name is John Damian Androcles Aspinall, was born on 24 May 1960 in the United Kingdom. He grew up in an environment that blended luxury, business, and wildlife. His father, John Victor Aspinall, was a renowned zoo owner, gambler, and casino operator who built an empire centred on gaming and wildlife parks. Damian’s mother, Jane Gordon Hastings, was a Scottish model.
Damian attended Millfield School, a prestigious boarding school, where he developed an independent streak and a passion for significant challenges. Unlike many business heirs, he chose to actively continue his father’s conservation legacy rather than enjoy the family’s wealth.
Damian Aspinall as a Businessman
Aside from his conservation work, Damian Aspinall has been deeply involved in business ventures. He inherited a stake in the Aspers Casino Group, which operates some of the UK’s largest casinos. For years, he was part of the gambling industry, balancing his entertainment commitments with his conservation efforts.
However, his casino ventures have not always been smooth. Reports suggest he lost a 35% stake in Aspers due to financial disputes and unpaid debts. Despite these setbacks, Damian Aspinall has continued to focus more strongly on his conservation efforts, considering them his true life’s work.
The Aspinall Foundation and Conservation Mission
At the heart of Damian Aspinall’s public identity lies The Aspinall Foundation, a charity established in 1984 by his father and now chaired by Damian himself. The foundation manages two major wildlife parks in Kent:
- Howletts Wild Animal Park
- Port Lympne Wild Animal Park
Unlike many traditional zoos, these parks focus on breeding endangered animals and preparing them for release back into the wild.
Key Conservation Achievements
- Gorilla Rewilding: Damian Aspinall has overseen the release of captive-bred lowland gorillas into protected areas of Gabon and the Republic of Congo. These projects are considered among the most successful gorilla reintroduction efforts in history.
- Elephant Relocation: The foundation has worked on ambitious projects to relocate African elephants from captivity in the UK to sanctuaries in Kenya.
- Rhino & Big Cat Protection: Through the Aspinall Foundation, Damian has supported conservation programs that protect rhinos, cheetahs, and other endangered species from poaching.
- Advocacy Against Zoos: Damian Aspinall has been a vocal critic of traditional zoos, arguing that many animals kept there are not endangered and are instead displayed for human entertainment. He has called for all zoos to be phased out within a few decades.
Damian Aspinall’s Views on Zoos
One of the most controversial aspects of Damian Aspinall’s conservation career is his open criticism of zoos. Unlike many conservationists who view zoos as a means to educate the public, Damian sees them as outdated institutions. He argues that:
- Most animals in zoos are not endangered species.
- Zoos often prioritise profits and visitor numbers over genuine conservation efforts.
- Proper conservation must prioritise reintroduction and habitat protection, rather than entertainment.
These views have earned him both respect and criticism within the conservation community. Yet, his bold stance has undeniably fueled essential debates about the ethics of keeping wild animals in captivity.
Personal Life of Damian Aspinall
Damian Aspinall’s personal life has attracted nearly as much attention as his conservation work. He has been married and in long-term relationships, and his partners often appear in the media.
- His first marriage was to Louise Sebag-Montefiore, with whom he had two daughters, Tansy and Clary.
- He later had a daughter, Freya, with television personality Donna Air.
- Damian married Victoria Aspinall, who has also worked with The Aspinall Foundation, including providing design services.
His family often plays a role in the parks and conservation projects, continuing the intergenerational legacy of wildlife protection.
Damian Aspinall’s Net Worth
Although much of Damian Aspinall’s fortune has fluctuated over the years due to his investments in casinos and conservation funding, his estimated net worth is around £200 million. A significant portion of his wealth comes from inherited assets, business ventures, and the value of his family’s estate.
However, running wildlife parks and ambitious conservation projects is expensive. Damian has frequently discussed the financial challenges of balancing animal welfare, rewilding projects, and the public’s expectations for wildlife tourism.
Controversies Surrounding Damian Aspinall
Like many high-profile figures, Damian Aspinall has faced controversy, especially concerning his charity work.
Charity Commission Investigations
The UK Charity Commission launched investigations into The Aspinall Foundation regarding financial governance, related-party transactions, and conflicts of interest.
Payments to Family Members
Reports emerged that Damian’s wife, Victoria Aspinall, was paid significant sums for interior design services related to the foundation’s properties. Critics questioned whether these payments were an appropriate use of charitable funds.
Mansion Leasing Issues
The foundation reportedly allowed Damian Aspinall to rent a mansion owned by the charity, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
Despite these controversies, Damian maintains that his actions are transparent and in the best interest of wildlife conservation.
Damian Aspinall’s Legacy in Conservation
Whether one admires or criticises him, Damian Aspinall has undeniably reshaped conversations around wildlife conservation. His legacy includes:
- Pioneering rewilding projects that have successfully returned endangered animals to their natural habitats.
- Challenging the role of zoos in modern society.
- Inspiring a new generation of conservationists to think beyond captivity and focus on ecosystems.
He combines a businessman’s daring vision with a conservationist’s deep passion, making him one of the most influential figures in global wildlife protection today.
Conclusion
The story of Damian Aspinall is a blend of wealth, wildlife, controversy, and conviction. From his upbringing in a family known for casinos and private zoos to his leadership of The Aspinall Foundation, Damian has always been a figure who challenges the status quo.
