Chester Zoo helps to save lives in Africa
Chester Zoo has a worldwide reputation for its conservation work with endangered animals like the black rhino from Africa. And now it is also helping people in some of the poorest countries in Africa who are dying unnecessarily simply because they do not have access to clean drinking water.
Zoo employees and visitors have already paid for 12 Elephant pumps to be installed in rural Zimbabwe through the sale of Thirsty Planet bottled water in cafes and refreshment kiosks on the site.
As water and sanitation systems break down in Zimbabwe, people have no alternative but to take water from polluted sources which has caused an epidemic of deadly cholera. Thousands have suffered serious illness and more than 4,000 people have died.
“There’s never been a more urgent need for clean water in Zimbabwe and we’re delighted to make a contribution to such a worthwhile cause,” said Martin Davies, head of catering, retail and events at Chester Zoo. “Our visitors are giving it fantastic support and are taking a keen interest in the work of Thirsty Planet and Pump Aid.”
Waterbrands has installed a scoreboard in the zoo’s CafeTsavo to keep people up to date with donations and spur them on to the next pump.