Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park has raised over $279,000 in donations in less than a week, after setting up their coronavirus appeal.
The zoo, which is home to 400 wild and domestic animals, has been closed to the public since lockdown, with staff (who are essential workers) staying on to look after the animals.
Last Thursday, the zoo set up a Givealittle page, asking people to “help Orana Wildlife Park survive COVID-19”.
Over 95% of the zoo’s income comes from visitors, and with it now closed to the public, the zoo is struggling to pay its bills.
Some of the costs include $800 worth of vegetables to feed the gorillas every week. The costs also include electricity bills to keep the animals warm and essential veterinary costs.
Overwhelmed with the huge response, the zoo shared their gratitude for all the people who donated.
“Thank you most sincerely for your amazing generosity and heart-warming support for our precious animals. We are overwhelmed and humbled,” they shared on their Givealittle page.
“Your very kind gestures of donating, sharing our page, commenting on Facebook, phoning to offer assistance are all making a huge difference to Orana and our magnificent animals. We are so very appreciative of such amazing help – please keep it up.”
Click here to visit the Orana Wildlife Park Givealitte page.
