Banham Zoo offering annual passes to local 'community champions'

Banham Zoo is offering annual passes to ‘community champions’, who have made a difference to their community during the pandemic.

The Zoological Society of East Anglia, the charity that runs the zoo, has announced it is searching for 12 individuals who have fundraised, cared for local wildlife, boosted someone’s wellbeing, or volunteered their time over the past year.

Winners of the scheme, who can be nominated by friends and family through the zoo’s website, will be given an annual pass, allowing them to visit the zoo whenever they please, along with six tickets for their friends or family.

Claudia Roberts, joint managing director at the zoo, said: “The pandemic has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone, not just for us, and it has highlighted how many kind people are out there, fundraising for all sorts of charities and helping others.

“We want to play our part in shining a spotlight on all those amazing community heroes and give them something back as a thank you.”

Despite the introduction of the new scheme, the future of the zoo remains carefully in the balance.

Last week, Ms Roberts said that, without added Government support, or the prospect of being allowed to remain open during the second national lockdown, the Norfolk attraction may not be able to stay afloat.

“Without being able to welcome our visitors for the next four weeks, we will struggle to survive through the winter months,” she added.

Nominations can be made by clicking here.