Staff at Dudley Zoo are gearing up to celebrate their 80th anniversary and are inviting you to help celebrate the past and fundraise for the future.

On Saturday 6th May, the Castle Hill venues actual opening day, staff are encouraging visitors to Walk on the Wild Side and join a sponsored walk in aid of the Bornean orangutan enclosure appeal, as we’re aiming to build a separate outdoor exhibit for critically endangered great apes, at a cost of £800,000.

They'll be turning back the clock and inviting supporters to dress to impress in a 1930s and 40s style for the 5km fundraiser around the 40-acre site. Then, entrants are invited to join staff for a party in the castle courtyard, where there’ll be birthday cake and entertainment by vocal harmony singers, The Glamophones, as well as a display of zoo memories from the last eight decades. Zoo Director Derek Grove, said:

"DZG has changed so much in 80 years and we’ve got lots to celebrate. But we’ve always relied on the support of our loyal visitors and hope they’ll get behind our anniversary appeal to provide a new home for our orangs, Benji, Jorong, Jazz and Sprout by signing up for the walk.

“There is no minimum sponsorship requirement, but we’re encouraging everyone to raise at least £50 and every penny will be put towards the work, with the aim to start within three years.”