Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 16 July 2020
LEGENDARY English actress, Dame Judi Dench, who is well-known for starring in movies for the James Bond movie franchise, amongst many other movies, is now backing struggling local zoo, Twycross Zoo.
Dame Judi is supporting Twycross Zoo so that it can keep going, allowing families and children to enjoy it for generations.
She has pledged her support for Twycross Zoo’s fundraising campaign and has urged the British public to join the fight to help keep the zoo going.
In the past, Dame Judi has been involved in a number of wildlife projects.
One of the many projects included a trip to Borneo, in a bid to protect the Bornean rainforest and its endangered species.
Dame Judi is fully backing the zoo and commented on Twycross’ current situation. She said: “Twycross Zoo may soon close its gates for the last time, putting many of its animals at risk. We simply cannot let this happen!
“For almost 60 years the Zoo has meant so much for so many in so many different ways. It is home to more species of monkeys and apes than any other zoo on earth.
“It carries out conservation in the UK and all over the world. As one of the UK’s ‘Science Zoos’, it is important for science and education.
“After three months of closure with no income, but massive expenditure to feed and care for the animals, Twycross Zoo now faces a huge financial mountain to become successful once more.
“How ironic if a charity dedicated to combating extinction, should itself become extinct. I am asking you now to get behind the zoo’s fundraising campaign.
“Please help the zoo and its animals survive, so that children and families can enjoy it for generations to come.”
CEO’s response
CEO at Twycross Zoo, Dr. Sharon Redrobe OBE, commented on the support and backing that they have received from Dame Judi Dench.
Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE, CEO of Twycross Zoo, said: “Having the backing of Dame Judi Dench is fantastic and we thank her for her moving words and support.
“Here at Twycross Zoo we are facing the biggest crisis in our 57 year history and the prospect of permanently having to close our doors in the future is very real.
“Although we are back open to the public, we are restricted on visitor numbers due to government guidance around Covid-19, but it’s vital that we have a successful summer in order for us to make it through the upcoming winter.
“Without having access to the government’s £100 million Zoo Fund, and exhausting all other options, it will now take a community to save our zoo.
“Help us with our mission to protect endangered species and continue to make a significant contribution to the conservation of animals and our planet through education and research.
“These really are critical times, but we are not giving in easily and this summer really is the ‘Summer of Survival’ and we need everyone to join us in our fight.”
Ways to help out
It costs just over half of a million pound to keep Twycross Zoo running at a minimum.
As well as just donating through the website, there are two other ways to support the Zoo.
These are by becoming a member, by buying a membership which includes 364 unlimited days of access to Twycross Zoo, discounts, and free visits to other Zoos.
The other is fundraising from home, where you can set up a fundraiser which will see all donations made go towards the Zoo funds directly.
If you’d like to make a direct donation to Twycross Zoo, you can do so on their website at www.twycrosszoo.org/donate.