Dunstable woman records song to raise money for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Can you help Helen raise money for the zoo?
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A Dunstable musician has composed and recorded a song to raise money for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, which was closed for three months during the coronavirus lockdown.

Helen Wingate, who is the assistant musical director of the Vauxhall Male Voice Choir in Luton, wanted to do something to support ZSL Whipsnade and London Zoo, during these difficult times.

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Whipsnade Zoo is very close to Helen's heart, she grew up there as a Zoo Keeper's daughter with Whipsnade as her playground. To help raise much needed funds for the zoo she wrote a song which reflects the current times, she has called it 'Today'.

Helen composed and recorded the song to raise money for the zooHelen composed and recorded the song to raise money for the zoo
Helen composed and recorded the song to raise money for the zoo

She said: "It's fantastic news that they are now allowed to open, and that will really help the financial situation but they're still in desperate need of help.

"I decided to raise money and do what I can to help.

"I grew up at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and my parents were zoo keepers. They met there and I grew up there and then I worked there.

"It is a massive part of my life and I felt like I had to do something to help.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has reopened (C) ZSL/Tony MargiocchiZSL Whipsnade Zoo has reopened (C) ZSL/Tony Margiocchi
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has reopened (C) ZSL/Tony Margiocchi
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"In March, these zoos had to close their gates, but still had 20,000 animals to feed and care for daily. The zoo's only income is from visitors!

"They also work abroad with their EDGE programme, to help protect and release animals in their natural habitat.

"Without them, many more animals would have become extinct in the wild.

"The song is quite emotional and I think it is appropriate to what is going on.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has reopened (C) ZSL/Tony MargiocchiZSL Whipsnade Zoo has reopened (C) ZSL/Tony Margiocchi
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has reopened (C) ZSL/Tony Margiocchi
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"I hope you enjoy the song, and if you can, please donate through the Facebook page."

ZSL Whipsnade Zoos Chief Operating Officer Owen Craft: "We are so grateful for the incredible support from our members, the local community and supporters who have helped raised important funds for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

"A big thank you to Helen and all the other families and children continuing to fundraising for ZSL to help us continue to create a world where wildlife thrives."

Helen has raised £570 for ZSL, to support her fundraising visit: www.facebook.com/helen.wingate.96/videos/10157702678464912/.