The supermarket chain, Iceland, has adopted all of Chester Zoo’s Humboldt penguins in a bid to support the #SaveOurZoo campaign.
Thousands of people have shown support for Chester Zoo as it fights to survive the lockdown-induced closure.
The zoo launched the SaveOurZoo campaign last Wednesday, due to the uncertainty of when it will be able to reopen based on the government guidelines.
The zoo has raised over £2.2 million in a matter of days, calling on people to donate directly, adopt an animal or purchase memberships.
The frozen food specialist opted for the animal that epitomises everything frozen, the penguin.
Although the Humboldt penguins are actually from South America, not Iceland, the chain thought it was the most appropriate way to support the cause during this difficult time.
The Humboldt penguins have recently welcomed a crèche of chicks, all of which have been named after NHS hospitals to commemorate their hard work during the pandemic.
Like most of Chester Zoo’s animals, the Humboldt penguin is a vulnerable species so Iceland hopes this donation will help keep the zoo running and contributing to the conservation of species.
Speaking on joining the fight to save Chester Zoo, Managing Director of Iceland Foods, Richard Walker said: “We were all saddened to hear of Chester Zoo’s recent struggles- it’s the heart of the local community in Chester and a much loved family favourite.
“I remember visiting the zoo as a child and my own kids love going there. We’re proud to be able to lend them our support both through the adoption of the Humboldt penguins on behalf of our colleagues, and by lobbying in support of zoos being allowed to reopen soon.”
“The conservation work undertaken by the Zoo is vital and along with the park itself reopening it is incredibly important that this amazing work is able to continue.”
To see how you can contribute to the SaveOurZoo campaign visit Chester Zoo’s website here.
