Keepers run the extra mile to raise funds for giraffes

Two of Woburn Safari Park's Reserve Keepers, Kelly and Kim, used the UK lockdown to raise funds for giraffe conservation.

The keepers were training separately after work in preparation for the 5km run they completed in aid of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

Fundraising for World Giraffe Day

Woburn Safari Park has supported the Giraffe Conservation Foundation for many years.

In normal situations the Reserves team would organise a fun-filled weekend full of fundraising activities for families to enjoy as they celebrate World Giraffe Day on the 21st June. However, the current Covid-19 situation has meant that those plans have been put on hold.

Without zoological collections raising money for these amazing conservation and research charities, they cannot carry out the vital work that they do to protect endangered species, such as the giraffe.

Taking fundraising matters into their own hands

Which is why Kim and Kelly decided to take matters into their own hands.

Speaking of their training, Kelly and Kim said: "We are two animal keepers who work on the African Reserves section and we work closely with the 17 Rothschild giraffes at the Park. We both have a strong passion for the conservation of giraffe and wanted to challenge ourselves to raise some money for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

We both trained hard, seperately running in our local areas and building up to the full 5k race. As well as still working and caring for the many different animals on the Reserves section."

How you can support their fundraising efforts:

If you would like to sponsor Kelly or Kim, you can visit their individual fundraising pages here and here.