Whipsnade Zoo launch half term fundraiser to bridge nearly 2 million pound shortfall
#WildAtHome encourages engagement with wildlife from home but also fundraising
ZSL which runs both London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire have launched the campaign.
The international conservation charity behind London and Whipsnade Zoos, ZSL, is calling on animal lovers to go #WildAtHome this February half term to keep children entertained and help raise vital funds while they remain closed to the public.
This lockdown is expected to see ZSL lose around £1.8 million but the cost of keeping the animals, employing the staff and all other costs remain.
To combat this they are urging people to join in with this weeks activities, which they have designed to be engaging for all ages, including adults.
Kicking off the week is #VetsatHome, for youngsters missing out on their half term visit. Zookeepers and vets have turned one of their Vets in Action events into brand new virtual sessions, exclusively for the February half term.
Budding veterinarians will first learn how to triage their teddy bear using materials from around their home and can later tune into a live health check on one of Whipsnade Zoo's rabbits, with vets and nurses talking through what they're doing and why.
There is also the option to turn the daily exercise into fundraising by leaping like a lemur, balancing like a flamingo or waddling like a penguin.
Grown up animal lovers are also encouraged to go #WildAtHome - for those looking to stretch their legs, a sponsored 2.5mile walk, which is the distance of the average walk around Whipsnade Zoo.
ZSL's Fundraising and Engagement Director James Wren said:
"While the kids are stuck at home and your regular Zoo visit has been postponed, we've come up with a way to keep everyone entertained by going #WildAtHome.
"From virtual role play to animal-inspired athletics we've got loads of ideas for things to do, while supporting a good cause.
"We can't wait to see how people go #WildatHome and want everyone to share their challenges with us - the zoo's shop is stocked with animal themed fancy dress, including tiger ears, tails or a giraffe cape - perfect attire for prowling like a tiger.
"We absolutely rely on visitor income to survive, and half term would normally see the zoos teeming with people but this year they'll be empty. #WildAtHome will not only bring us closer to our visitors but provide us with much needed support."