A zoo owner who feared having to euthanise his animals due to the coronavirus lockdown has received more than £45,000 in less than a week from thousands of donors.

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project Zoo in St Mary Hoo near Rochester set an initial fundraising target of £10,000 but has received more than triple that following a KentOnline article which went live last week.

Those behind the project were worried that without public support, they may have to make the tough decision to put the animals to sleep rather than let them starve.

Due to the Covid-19 lockdown, the zoo and pub had to close their doors to visitors.

It meant there were no donations towards the £2,000-plus per week running costs keeping more than 100 animals safe and well.

Andy Cowell, who owns the zoo and pub said: "We decided to go with the GoFundMe page after a local lady rung me up and said 'I want to set this up for you, you need help'.

"I didn't want to do it, we're not beggars, we work extremely hard, but we've been put in this position so I've gone with it. I just feel really emotional about it.

"It's been amazing, we just can't believe it.

"Not only has the GoFundMe page been blowing up, but so many people have responded to our Amazon wish list as well.

"The postman must be going mad. We're easily getting around 20 parcels delivered to us every day, all of which are helping the animals and supporting their wellbeing.

"I am so humbled, so shocked and very, very grateful for everyone's donations and support during this difficult time."

Across several hours on Friday, April 24, more than 1,500 individuals came together and raised £24,000 for Medway's first licensed zoo.

Today, more than £45,000 has been raised - and the figure is still rising.

On the Fenn Bell Conservation Project Facebook page, Andy said: "I am totally humbled by all of your support.

"It has just been incredible, from our GoFundMe page, to our Amazon wish list and deliveries of food. AMAZING!!!!

"I can't mention everyone, it's just not possible, but you are all incredible.

"I hope to see you all here when we get out of lockdown.

"We have had thousands of supporting emails and some fantastic pictures."

Many well wishers took to the GoFundMe page, not only to leave donations, but also kind words.

Bonita Townsend, who donated £250, said: "My daughters, Olivia, 11 and Phoebe, nine, wanted to help, as did I, to feed these animals through this horrendous time of the Covid-19 lockdown.

"My daughters did a Build-a-Bear Bonanza, giving away their bear outfits in exchange for a donation for this cause.

"We raised awareness in our village of Higham and so many people came to support by donating, while keeping to the social distance guide.

"We really hope it helps the Fenn Bell Conservation Project."

Mary Booker donated £100 and said: "Last year I took my Brownie pack to the zoo and the girls had a brilliant time.

"The educational side was superb and the animals were fantastically well cared for.

"This zoo is great and well worth the visit. I am happy to donate to keep it going until we can visit again."

Donations have even come from the other side of the globe.

Amy Nelson said: "No one should ever have to worry about the safety of animals. I can't donate a lot but hopefully this helps. Love from Australia."

Andy Cowell had many sleepless nights over the past few weeks, trying to come up with a way to keep the zoo running without visitor donations, ticket sales or the pub and restaurant open.

He said previously: "We may be closed to the public but that doesn't mean the animals stop eating, we still need to care for them.

"Me, my wife, Kelly and daughter Sydnee are working at the zoo constantly. I've been working 100 hours a week, for nothing, just to keep these animals going.

"Sainsbury's has kindly been donating some food to us, which is great, and we really appreciate it, but with have lemurs, monkeys and fishing cats, just to name a few, who all have special dietary needs these donations just aren't fulfilling."

But now, with more than four times the initial £10,000 target, The Fenn Bell Conservation project will be able to continue caring for its animals well into the summer months thanks to not only donations, but also items purchased and sent to the zoo through the Amazon wish list.

For more information about the zoo you can visit their Facebook page or website.

If you would like to support Andy and The Fenn Bell Conservation Project visit the GoFundMe page, here or have a look at their Amazon wish list.

The KM Group is committed to helping the community through the KM Charity team. For more information and to find out what other good causes you can get involved in click here.

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