Are you spotty or stripy? It sounds a bit personal, but actually, it’s all in the name of wildlife conservation.
Local charities are holding their very first Spots & Stripes Day to raise money to support their good works. The idea is to wear spots or stripes – or, if you are really throwing yourself into it, both – on Friday 6th October.
The charities are Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts, Torquay’s coastal zoo, and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall. There will be Spots & Stripes collection tin in the reception of each zoo on the day, so people can make donations and join in.
Schools, community groups, sports teams and families are all joining the fun. So the question is – are you spots or stripes? Do you, in short, love zebras or cheetahs?
The three zoo are home to plenty of spotty and stripy animals. At Paignton Zoo there are zebras, peacocks, tigers, bongo, cheetah and ring-tailed lemur. At Living Coasts you’ll find blue spotted ribbontail ray, African penguins, banded archer fish and lion fish. Newquay Zoo is home to penguins, fishing cats, Philippine spotted deer, ring-tailed lemur and Chapman’s zebra. On top of that, there are civets – which are both spotty AND stripy!
Organiser Jenny Paton explained: “Spots & Stripes Day is a chance to have fun, express yourself and raise money for local charities. The idea is for everyone to wear something spotty or stripy to show their dedication to supporting rare and endangered species and raise some much-needed money. Even a pair of stripy or spotty socks would be great! When you support us you can tell everyone how the money goes towards vital conservation work both in the UK and overseas.”
You can register online at www.paigntonzoo.org.uk to receive a pack with a quiz and a sponsor form, some ideas on fundraising and tips for social media. You can pay in money through Virgin Giving or by cheque (made payable to Paignton Zoo Environmental Park). Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to or ring 01803 697500.
