Go Faster Stripes at Marwell!

On Saturday 14 May more than a hundred people of all ages took part in a stripy dash through the zoo, for Marwell’s Zany Zebras ‘Zebra Zooooom!’

The non-competitive trot around the zoo attracted a herd of families, dressed in zebra costumes, as they prepared to make their way around the short but hilly course. 

The participants were encouraged to walk, trot or canter their way around the park, taking in views of animals including penguins, white rhino and of course Grevy’s zebra. 

After crossing the finishing line to a cheering crowd, each person received a certificate, medal and goody bag. The goodies were supplied by our generous sponsors, Co-operative food, Oxygen Freejumping Southampton, Pickwell Farm Shop and Hobbycraft. 

Prizes were also awarded to Isabella and Matilda Ford, Father and Daughter duo Martin and Alice Palmer and to Ethan Hunt for the best costumes. Their creative and home-made efforts were rewarded with a Grevy’s zebra adoption package.

Following the prize giving, participants were then invited to enjoy the rest of the day in the zoo, checking out our 3 species of zebra amongst all the other amazing animals on show.  All funds raised from the Zebra Zoom will help support our work with endangered Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife conservation initiatives in Kenya. In the absence of Gilbert, artist Nina Fraser’s zany zebra ‘Biff’, sponsored by Biffa, was on hand to provide lots of photo opportunities and get the youngsters excited about Marwell’s Zany Zebras trail, which is now just weeks away.

For ten weeks a family-friendly trail will be installed around Southampton with visitors encouraged to spot 150 decorated zebra sculptures dotted around the city centre. Not forgetting a ‘miniature trail’ which will be installed at Marwell Zoo, running at the same time.