AN animal lover has inspired work colleagues at Morrisons in Middlewich to support the cash crisis facing Chester Zoo.

Amateur photographer Danielle Hough has captured stunning pictures of many of the beautiful creatures as she is training to work there as a volunteer.

The 28-year-old raised more than £100 by selling her stunning images but wanted to do more.

Staff at Morrisons joined her crusade and donated enough money to adopt an elephant and Andrean bear in memory of Danielle’s mum Paula Elkington who died in 2016.

Northwich Guardian:

Danielle in the arms of mum Paula Elkington

 

 

Danielle, from Winsford, has been visiting the zoo since she was a baby.

Northwich Guardian:

Morrisons staff in Middlewich adopted an Andrean bear in memory of Danielle's mum

“It’s such and incredibly special place which is close to my heart not only for the amazing conservation work they do but it’s a place me and my mum spent most of my birthdays and shared many happy memories when I was younger.

Danielle spent most of her free time visiting the zoo with her partner.

“Just before lockdown I was training to be a volunteer. I was a couple of sessions away from completing the training as it was forced to close because of coronavirus.

Northwich Guardian:

Danielle used to spend a lot of time with elephants at Chester Zoo when she was younger

“When I heard that the zoo was on the brink of closure as a result of the pandemic my heart sank and I knew I needed to do something to raise money and help them keep their doors open.”

Danielle sold her photographs to friends, family and colleagues.

Northwich Guardian:

Danielle sold her photographs of animals to help raise funds for Chester Zoo

 

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Amy Holt, store manager at Morrisons Middlewich, said: “I am very proud of all the colleagues for the compassion they have shown during the coronavirus pandemic to everyone in the community and now to Chester Zoo. Danielle was straight to work to help raise funds.

Northwich Guardian:

Danielle captured this cheeky picture of a chimp at Chester Zoo

 

“The team realised how important this was to Danielle and how the zoo held a special place in her heart. I asked her which animal was her mum’s favourite and she told me that they would spend a lot of time with the elephants. She expressed how she loved Andrean bears. As soon as we raised enough we adopted a bear.”