Animals at the Isle of Wight Zoo will receive hundreds of items of fruit and vegetables, thanks to the children of Brighstone Primary School.
Following Reception’s and Key Stage One’s school trip to the zoo at the beginning of November, the whole school was inspired to get involved in the zoo’s ‘Veg Pledge’ scheme which helps the zoo to provide quality fresh food to their animals at minimal or no cost.
The school has been running a 'reverse advent calendar' throughout the three weeks leading up to Christmas, with pupils and their families collecting and donating items each day.
Children at the school have donated a wide variety of fruit and vegetables to provide meals for creatures including capuchin monkeys, meerkats, porcupines, racoons, lemurs and the zoo’s farm animals.
Headteacher, Mrs Rebecca Lennon, said:
“Children in Reception, Years 1 and 2 had a wonderful visit to the zoo this term and thoroughly enjoyed learning about the animals in its care. We know how difficult it has been for the zoo this year due to the impact of the pandemic so felt inspired to support their veg pledge, which reflects this term’s Collective Worship values of generosity and compassion.
“We have been amazed to see such a variety of fresh produce being brought into school, from sweet potatoes and butternut squash to eggs, blueberries and parsnips – but given the time of year, surprisingly no Brussel sprouts!”
Marc Fox, Animal Manager at the Isle of Wight Zoo said:
“We are so grateful for the support of the local community which is helping us through these unusual times. The generous delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables from the children at Brighstone this December has helped us enormously, and the animals are very thankful for their tasty meals.”
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