A ZOO that struggled during lockdown after being forced to close has thanked staff at an Evesham supermarket for their support to help them get through the tough period.

In April the Honeybourne centre’s owner Rebecca Harris told us they could be forced to close All Things Wild if the Covid-19 situation dragged on as they were paying out £2,750 per week for 550 plus animals in its care, but had to cope with the loss of income from no visitors.

Food costs for the animals were one of the main expenses the zoo faced, but Tesco Evesham stepped in and regularly donated fruit and veg to support the zoo.

And to thank staff of the Worcester Road-based supermarket for their generosity store manager, Matt Jones, and the store's community champion, Lindsay Roach, were recently invited to pay a visit and get up close to some of the inhabitants.

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The pair met three camel boys and meerkats who had enjoyed the food the store donated.

Victoria Faller, project manager at the zoo, said: "We have been overwhelmed by people’s kindness and generosity during this exceedingly difficult time.

"Tesco Evesham have been supporting us with regular fruit and veg donations since being closed to the public due to Covid-19.

"These donations have meant that all our 550 animals have continued to receive the same high level of care and nutrition throughout lockdown and as such we can not thank them enough.

"We are re-open now and whilst donations are still very much needed, we cannot wait to welcome you all back to All Things Wild’"

Zoos were able to reopen after June 15, with that announcement welcomed by the zoo at the time.

Visitors that now visit follow a one way system, and staff have introduced hand sanitisers and disinfect play equipment and other contact surfaces including picnic benches, throughout the day.