Dartmoor Zoological Park, as it is now known, was bought and saved by the Mee family in 2006. After a year-long struggle to get the zoo ready to re-open, it finally did so in 2007 and managed to retain it's zoo license: a massive achievement. Benjamin Mee's story was documented in his book 'We Bought A Zoo', which was turned into a Hollywood film featuring Matt Damon and Scarlet Johansson. 

Since then, in 2016 the Dartmoor Institute of Animal Science was launched at Dartmoor Zoo and is well on the way to becoming a centre of excellence for research, conservation and education. In addition, the zoo's award-winning Discovery and Learning Department, and the Research Department have formed strong ties with many universities, including the University of Plymouth.

Despite overcoming many challenges during the zoo's lifetime, the corona virus pandemic and the current government restrictions have seen the zoo's income fall dramatically. Staff have been furloughed and some remain on site to look after the animals. The challenge faced by the zoo is that it costs around £11,000 to run a week, and with no visitors, the zoo is facing the reality of permanently closing its doors to the public. 

Therefore, the aim of this fundraiser is to use your one government permitted daily exercise to walk like a Tortoise , jog like an Iberian Wolf , gallop like a Zebra, run like a Cheetah, and cycle, well, like a human for 5km. Once completing the 5k, donate £5 and nominate 5 people to take part. The money raised will help to keep Dartmoor Zoo open so that we and future generations are able to enjoy it hopefully in the not-to-distant future.

( There is no requirement to dress up as an animal to do your daily exercise, although doing so is perfectly acceptable!) 

We are known to be a nation of animal lovers so please please consider giving your time and money to this worthwhile cause. All donations will be gratefully received.