MP for Waveney visits Africa Alive to mark Love Your Zoo Week

The Zoological Society of East Anglia have marked Love Your Zoo Week by welcoming Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, to Africa Alive.  

Led by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), the recent annual campaign promotes the important work of zoos across the country – in particular their continued contributions to conservation, education and research.  

Both Africa Alive in Suffolk and Banham Zoo in Norfolk, which are run by the Zoological Society of East Anglia, marked the week by thanking those who have supported them through the pandemic, including visitors, fundraisers and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) following being awarded a lifeline Zoo Animal Fund grant.  

Peter Aldous MP worked with South West Norfolk MP, Liz Truss and local councillors to secure the vital financial support for the zoos.  

Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, said: “I am delighted to have attended Africa Alive as part of Love Your Zoo week this week. The grounds and enclosures look absolutely superb following the recent upgrades as a result of the Zoo Animals Fund grant. 

“Both Africa Alive Banham Zoo and are so vitally important to the local economy being some of the biggest tourist attractions in East Anglia and it is so lovely to see them open to the public once again following a difficult year.” 

The £752,000 grant was awarded to the zoos to cover animal care costs during the third national lockdown as well as for urgent repair works to animal enclosures around the two zoos, including the meerkat enclosure and small cat enclosure at Africa Alive, and the zebra stables and siamang enclosure at Banham Zoo.    

Claudia Roberts, CEO at the Zoological Society of East Anglia, said: “It has been lovely to have the opportunity to show Peter Aldous around Africa Alive and to personally thank him for all of his support over the past year.  

“Without this support through the Zoo Animals Fund grant, and our continued support from our fantastic visitors and fundraisers, we wouldn’t have been able to pull through during such a financially difficult time. We’re looking forward to the summer ahead and sharing these incredibly beautiful spaces with our visitors once again.”