STAFF at West Midland Safari park are to donate money to charity, which they have raised after holding a variety of fundraising events and activities this season.

They have organised fun runs to quirky quizzes, animal awareness antics and supported coast to coast events in costumes, all in the name of charity. In their efforts they have raised a total of £8609.06, which has been donated by staff, friends, family and guests who have visited the park.

Katie McDonald, the park’s research and conservation officer, said: “This year, each of our animal departments were tasked with choosing a charity which was to be the focus of one of the charity weeks we had organised.”

Charity weeks generated funds for Marine Conservation Society, Giraffe Conservation Foundation, African Lion Environment and Research Trust and Tusk Trust.

She added: “Support for the Namibian Wildlife Conservation Trust is our biggest contribution to conservation and ‘in the field’ research. The charity assists research projects, which aid the conservation of Namibian wildlife including funding the Ongava Research Centre.

“It’s a team effort to collect donations for NWCT from visitors after all sea lion shows, as well as holding annual staff events such as a fun run and quiz nights when everyone gets involved in one way or another, with all proceeds going to the Trust.”

West Midland Safari Park’s drive-through safari, Discovery Trail and African Village is open every weekend in winter until Sunday, February 8 and daily from Wednesday, November 26 to Wednesday, December 24.

Further information can be found at www.wmsp.co.uk