I will be swimming 5 kilometres at the end of the month alongside my dad (Nige) as part of the 5K May challenge and to help raise money for the Zoological Society of London. I am one of the primate keepers at ZSL London Zoo and have seen first-hand the devastating impact the pandemic has had on us as a charity. In 2020 the zoo was forced to close for 18 weeks as well as a further 3 months at the start of this year.

As a charity, ZSL relies on funds from supporters and visitors. In 2020 we lost £20 million due to both London and Whipsnade zoos being shut in the lockdown. Not only does this impact the animals in both zoos but the wider ZSL charity as a whole with conservation efforts home and abroad struggling. 

The absolute best way to help the charity is to come visit one of our zoos and see all the amazing animals, however if that isn't possible, any donation at all would be greatly appreciated! 

Why swim? 

My dad and I love open water swimming and are excited about the challenge of a gruelling 5K swim. Despite being 30 years my senior, my old man still beats me at swimming so I can already picture him swimming away in the last 100 metres! We will be swimming in the sea down in Bournemouth between Boscombe pier and Bournemouth pier.