Howletts and Port Lympne - A day out in kent and adopt an animal

Totally Wild Challenge Raises £100k

Thanks to the dedication and loyalty of its supporters, The Aspinall Foundation is delighted to announce that the donations from this year's Totally Wild Challenge have brought the total funds raised up to a staggering £100,000 since 2004. This magnificent sum of money goes towards the essential conservation work that The Aspinall Foundation does both abroad and closer to home at Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks in Kent.

The September 2009 Totally Wild Challenge raised over £12 000, and began and ended in the picturesque surroundings of The Aspinall Foundation's Port Lympne Wild Animal Park near Ashford. From here, supporters took part in various feats of athleticism such as 10k run or 10k/30k bike rides. The perfectly flat route along Romney Marsh provided the ideal course for families and individuals alike.

Robert Boutwood, the Director of Fundraising Projects for The Aspinall Foundation, undertook the 2009 Totally Wild Challenge with his two daughters aged 11 and 9 AND a broken foot! He commented:

"My immediate reason for taking part in the Totally Wild Challenge was to raise money and awareness for The Aspinall Foundation which does such valuable work in protecting rare and endangered animals. As the route is so family-friendly, it was an excellent opportunity to include my children in a cycling event along safe and well-marshalled roads. The sense of camaraderie amongst the supporters was infectious, and I look forward to participating in the 2010 Totally Wild Challenge."

Fortunately, Robert Boutwood's broken foot didn't stop him completing the 10k cycle ride in good time with his family. Dorian Partridge, a one of the 600 participants, echoed Robert's sentiment when he called the Totally Wild Challenge 'a great family day out that brings together different generations all united for a worthwhile cause'.

Press Information:

Charlotte Jones

PR & Promotions Officer

The Aspinall Foundation,

Howletts & Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks.

Tel: 01303 234121

Email: charlottej@howletts.net

Website: www.totallywild.net

Notes to Editors:

The Totally Wild Challenge is an annual event that this year took place in September.
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park near Hythe, along with Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury were set up by the late John Aspinall with the aim of protecting and breeding rare and endangered species with the view of returning them to safe areas in their native homelands. The Aspinall Foundation manages the parks and is funded solely from charitable donations which go towards this vital conservation work, both in the UK and abroad, including the world-famous gorilla rescue and rehabilitation projects in Africa. A world-leader in conservation, The Aspinall Foundation has so far returned to the wild: Przewalski's horses, black rhino, Sumatran rhino, Cape buffalo, ocelots, pythons and gorillas.

©The Aspinall Foundation – Registered Charity 326567.
The Howletts Wild Animal Trust Limited Registered company no. 4711904, Registered charity no. 1100845
Registered office: Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Lympne, Nr Hythe, Kent, CT21 4PD

Totallywild.net is the official website promoting the charitable work of The Aspinall Foundation in protecting endangered species. The Howletts and Port Lympne wild animal, safari and wildlife parks are the UK based sites for endangered animal conservation. Unlike ordinary zoos, these parks allow visitors to see conservation in action, providing kids, families and adults alike with a wide variety of ‘Totally Wild’ fun days out, packed with exciting activities for the whole family. Our landscaped gardens and mansion house can also be hired for weddings, events and other functions.

All revenues raised through ticket sales support our animal conservation work and breeding programmes, so please, do come and visit us for your day out in Kent and do your bit for conservation!