Emdad Rahman: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s resident ring-tailed lemurs have been busy helping runners prepare for the return of the zoo’s annual Stampede. The lively bunch put their paws to good use, inspecting entrants’ trainers in the run up to the event which takes place on Sunday, 27th May and is sponsored by Petplan, the UK’s number one pet insurance provider.
The ten lemurs will be able to watch from their island opposite the zoo entrance as runners make their way past some of the world’s most incredible animals as they raise much needed funds for the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
By taking part in the 10k run or 2k run, runners will be helping the international scientific, conservation and educational charity to carry out its vital work to conserve endangered species.
Last year’s Stampede was the most successful yet, with runners raising more than £20,000 for ZSL – and this year, as the Stampede returns for the seventh time, participants are being urged to dig deep to try to beat that success.
Runners busy limbering up for the Stampede would do well to take tips from the ring-tailed lemurs, which are fast movers and exceptionally active – the group of bachelor boys at Whipsnade can often be spotted leaping about and scampering across their climbing rope. They gave the trainers the thumbs up after being given their favourite afternoon snack of raisins and jam inside them.