Fylde zoo thanks public for support during lockdown to secure July reopening
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The zoo, home to a variety of rare animals, some of which are near-extinct species, thanked everyone for their financial support during the pandemic.
One helper, 21-year-old Vicky Hastings of Whiteholme Road, Thornton, had been fundraising for the zoo every day since May 9.
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Hide Ad"I noticed on Facebook that the zoo staff were struggling after they had to close," Vicky said.
"They needed fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, and other foods. They also needed other supplies for their animals, which they set an Amazon wish-list up for, so I started fundraising and collecting donations for them on May 9.
"The zoo staff are wonderful people and have done a great job of maintaining it during this difficult time. It really has been my pleasure to help."
A Go Fund Me page was also set up for the zoo, raising over £5,000, ensuring its survival.
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Hide AdWild Discovery's founder and director Neil Trickett, 41, from Thornton, said he was relieved and grateful that he would be able to re-open the zoo from July 4.
"We'll be having a soft opening first for , to make sure we are all compliant with the new rules and strategies for social distancing we've had to implement," Neil said.
"We are so grateful for the help from the public and especially from Vicky, she's brought so many donations to us and they have kept us going."
Now Neil and his staff are hoping public support will continue for its vital conservation projects.
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Hide Ad"We run various, important conservation projects here," Neil continued.
"We have a bee project in Uganda where we help to prevent human and animal conflict, and a female Philippine crocodile who we hope to breed in the future.
"There are only 100 of these crocodiles left in the wild, so our breeding programme is critical for the species' survival.
"We've got lots of hand washing facilities and will be enforcing social distancing rules, so hopefully the public will continue to support us by visiting and helping with the conservation of our animals."