STAFF at Dudley Zoo and Castle will be cheering on trainee keeper, Chloe Riley as she pounds 13.1 miles of the zoo’s pathways in aid of its Covid-19 animal care fund.

The 21-year-old, who is based on the farm section, will be swapping her keeper uniform for a lemur onesie and running shoes as she takes part in a half marathon challenge around the zoo’s hilly 40-acre site today (Tuesday November 17).

Chloe said: “Being a keeper I get to see the impact that Covid-19 has had at the zoo, so I wanted to do something to help as I couldn’t stand by and watch the place I love struggle.

“I wanted to do a half marathon, as I’ve never run this far before, but I wanted to do something that would be a challenge and would be worth donations and those who know the zoo know it isn’t the flattest place, so it certainly won’t be easy.”

Chloe will be running around the site’s current one-way system on her scheduled day off and anticipates it will take her between 10 to 15 laps to achieve the distance.

Zoo director Derek Grove said: “We’re so grateful for everyone’s support during this unprecedented time for the zoo.

“We’re very lucky to have such devoted staff who are always keen to go the extra mile for their animals and Chloe is no exception with this adventurous fundraiser.

“We wish her the best of luck and will be cheering her on along the way.”

Anyone wishing to donate towards Chloe’s Justgiving page can do so online at justgiving.com/fundraising/chloe-riley3.