CHESTER ZOO has received a boost of more than £20,000 thanks to a quality childcare provider.

Kids Planet, which now includes Kids Allowed, has been raising thousands of pounds to support one of the UK’s number one family attractions, due to its significant losses since Covid-19 and its drastic restrictions on visitors for the foreseeable future.

Initially, the children, staff and parents at the 52 nurseries were hoping to raise £2,000 to help.

However, thanks to the engagement of 2,000 staff, 7,000 children (aged two to five) and their families – all willing to complete a collective 1,700 miles (the sum total of all 52 nurseries' individual mileage to Chester Zoo) by walking, hopping, jumping or leaping over and above this mileage, the bar was raised to £20,000.

Remarkably, the team at Kids Planet have raised over £20k and are now in their second phase of their campaign - their adoption phase.

During the month of October Kids Planet has teamed up with One Poll to find out the favourite zoo animal of children aged 3-5 and their reasons why.

Kids Planet CEO Clare Roberts said: “It’s been a tough year for our families and our staff, as well as Chester Zoo.

"The Summer Stampede campaign has given us a subliminal focus on something that is really important to us, but not always on our minds every day, even though it should be.

"I am so thrilled to see how quickly we surpassed our targets and want to say a huge well done to our staff, children and their families for such a successful combined effort throughout this campaign.

"We know how much Chester Zoo means to us our staff and families and this is evident in their actions.

"Our name, Kids Planet, reminds us all that children are the most important considerations when we look at the impacts, good and bad, on our world today.

"The animal kingdom and their survival, or threatened extinction, can teach all of us a thing or two about sustainability and environmental responsibilities.

"We also believe children should learn the importance of giving and experience the wonderful feelings that it can instil to do something for the good of others.

"But overall, we encourage learning through play and what better way to encourage our children to take an interest in the world around them.

"During phase two of Kids Planet Summer Stampede fundraising campaign – the adoption phase – the children will be learning about inclusivity and compassion as they choose the animals they want to adopt and support throughout this pandemic and beyond."

To find out more about the Kids Planet team, visit the Kids Planet website at https://www.kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk/.