Fylde zoo thanks public for support during lockdown to secure July reopening

The Wild Discovery Animal Centre, based in the grounds of Ribby Hall Village in Wrea Green, received donations of food and funding from the public after it closed due to Covid-19.
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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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"I noticed on Facebook that the zoo staff were struggling after they had to close," Vicky said.

Vicky Hastings, 21, from Thornton, has been helping Wild Discovery zoo owner Neil Trickett by collecting food and other donations from the public, after it closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.Vicky Hastings, 21, from Thornton, has been helping Wild Discovery zoo owner Neil Trickett by collecting food and other donations from the public, after it closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Vicky Hastings, 21, from Thornton, has been helping Wild Discovery zoo owner Neil Trickett by collecting food and other donations from the public, after it closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"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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Wild 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.

Wild Discovery owner Neil Trickett with Vicky Hastings and Sam Powell, who have been helping the zoo with collecting donations during the coronavirus pandemic.Wild Discovery owner Neil Trickett with Vicky Hastings and Sam Powell, who have been helping the zoo with collecting donations during the coronavirus pandemic.
Wild Discovery owner Neil Trickett with Vicky Hastings and Sam Powell, who have been helping the zoo with collecting donations during the coronavirus pandemic.

"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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"We run various, important conservation projects here," Neil continued.

Ella Trickett and parrot Sydney, one of the many animals she and Neil look after at Wild Discovery with their team.Ella Trickett and parrot Sydney, one of the many animals she and Neil look after at Wild Discovery with their team.
Ella Trickett and parrot Sydney, one of the many animals she and Neil look after at Wild Discovery with their team.

"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."