Animal fan reads script to Shrek online to raise zoo funds
Zoo is struggling to meets its running costs due to the virus
AN animal fan has raised money for Twycross Zoo by reading the entirety of a film script online.
Sam Lockley, 18, read the whole of the script for animated family flick, Shrek, posting the video on Facebook.
It took him a testing hour and 45 minutes to complete but he was delighted to see that his performance raised more than £460 for the conservation centre.
He said: “I wasn’t expecting it to be as successful as it was. I’m still in shock about it, to be honest.”
Sam decided to do something to support the zoo after hearing that some of the animals may have to be culled, as the attraction struggles to meet its £650,000-a-month costs. It reopened in June after being closed for three months, but visitor numbers are limited and bosses say they still need government help to survive.
Sam said: “It’s a shame that they have to suffer for something that’s out of their control.
“I used to visit it as a child. I have pets at home.”
Asked why he chose Shrek for his script reading, Sam said: “It’s quite a popular meme online.
“It’s a well-known film. I thought people would be more likely to hear about it and to donate.”
Sam is from Meriden and is a student at Solihull College, and he hopes to become an animal therapist. His pets include two birds, two guinea pigs, three dogs, two cats and a tortoise.
Sam is planning a visit to Twycross this summer, to see the giraffe that he adopted several years ago.
He said: “Every little bit helps at this point.”
Many young people been doing things to have raise money for Twycross since the lockdown came into force.
Hayden Hoare, seven, from Hinckley, cycled a mile a day around the town in aid of the animal centre, raising more than £800.
You can watch Sam’s video on his Facebook page and make a donation on the Twycross Zoo website.