Keepers from Bristol Zoo finish the Three Peaks Challenge
Three keepers from Bristol Zoo Gardens have this week scaled the three highest mountains in Britain, to raise money for an ape conservation campaign.
Robert Rouse, Simon Butler and Mathew Richards completed the demanding ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon - in 24 hours & 44 minutes!
The trio climbed the three summits in support of a campaign to raise awareness and help protect endangered apes in the wild, and took it in turns to wear a gorilla suit at the summit of each of the mountains.
Unfortunately Simon wasn’t able to complete the last mountain (Snowdon) as he
twisted his knee coming down Scafell.
Rob Rouse, overseer of mammals at Bristol Zoo, said: “The weather was very bad to begin with, but we managed to reach the top of Ben Nevis in 2.5 hours which was a great start. The views were stunning but it was very hard going. The weather on Scafell Pike was horrific and we had to descend using alternative route as it wasn’t safe, then Simon twisted his knee. It set us back a bit but we made up time on Snowdon.”
He added: “It’s definitely the hardest physical thing any of us have ever done, and we are tired and aching a lot now, but it is a great achievement.”
T
here are currently six species of great apes and 16 species of gibbons, all under threat from hunting, deforestation and disease. Without awareness and funding to tackle the problems facing these species, they could become extinct.
Lizy Jones, Bristol Zoo’s Fundraising Manager, said: “It is by having the support and dedication of committed individuals like Rob, Mat and Simon that we are able to make such a valuable contribution to conservation efforts around the world.”
The ‘Ape Campaign’ is being run by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), led by Dr Bryan Carroll, the soon-to-be new Director of Bristol Zoo.
It’s not too late to show your support for Mathew, Robert and Simon’s achievement. For more information on how to donate to their appeal, please visit the Zoo website www.bristolzoo.org.uk/3-guys-3-peaks-saving-apes-together
To find out more about how you can help raise money for Bristol Zoo’s conservation work contact Lizy Jones on ljones@bristolzoo.org.ukor by phone on 0117 974 7329.
ENDS
For press enquiries please contact Bristol Zoo’s press office:
Lucy Parkinson, T: 0117 974 7306, or email: lparkinson@bristolzoo.org.uk
Vanessa Hollier, T: 0117 974 7309, or email: vhollier@bristolzoo.org.uk
Notes to editors
Bristol Zoo Gardens
- Bristol Zoo Gardens is an education and conservation charity and relies on the income from visitors to support its work.
- Throughout 2010 Bristol Zoo will be running a series of events to highlight the importance of conserving the world’s biodiversity, as part of the international Year of Biodiversity. For more information visit the Zoo website at www.bristolzoo.org.uk/about/conservation/campaigns/iyob
- To find out more about the UN’s International Year of Biodiversity visit the website at www.biodiversityislife.net
- Bristol Zoo is open from 9am every day except Christmas Day.
- The Zoo is involved with more than 100 co-ordinated breeding programmes for threatened wildlife species.
- Itemploys 140 full and part-time staff to care for the animals and run a successful visitor attraction to support its conservation and education work.
- Bristol Zoo Gardens supports – through finance and skill sharing – 15 projects in the UK and abroad that conserveand protectsome of the world’s most endangered species.
- Bristol Zoo Gardens is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. BIAZA represents more than 90 member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.
- In 2010, International Year of Biodiversity, Bristol Zoo Gardens set up a Conservation Fund to raise vital funds to help care for threatened animals and plants – both in the Zoo and through the conservation work we do in the UK and around the world.
