Dudley Zoo host fundraising day in aid of Australia fire wildlife victims

The rainy weather didn't deter the hundreds of visitors who took part in Aussie-themed games and activities held on Sunday(26).

Dudley Zoo have pledged to donate half of the Australia Day's admission takings, plus all sales of nectar feeding pots for its Australian rainbow lorikeets, as well as funds from a staff coffee and cake morning to Zoos Victoria’s Bushfire Emergency Wildlife fund, which is helping provide expert veterinary care for impacted wildlife.

Bosses at the attraction are hoping that thousands will have been raised from the fundraising day.

Chris Leeson, Dudley Zoo and Castle conservation officer, said: "We would like to thank visitors who have helped us raise money and shared the plight of the Australian wildlife across social media.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support we've received, including from many former Black Country folk now living Down Under.

“We are still totting up the final amount, which we expect to be in the thousands, but every penny raised will be used to directly help Australian native wildlife at risk and provide long-term care for those impacted."

It is estimated a billion animals, including critically endangered species, have died so far in the fires in Australia.

Zoos Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation made up of three Australian zoos – Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo.