Hanwell Zoo is looking for your help with ideas and donations of items to place in a time capsule that will aim to capture memories of Ealing in 2017. It will be buried under a new enclosure for endangered birds.
Local people and visitors to the zoo are being asked to get their thinking caps on and get involved. Anything reminiscent of life in the borough or the zoo could be considered – and anything that makes you love the place you live in. Ideas could include photos, drawings, objects or written messages.
The time capsule crammed full of local memorabilia will be buried just before the last section of cement is poured into the new aviary for the zoo’s beautiful flock of endangered lovebirds (pictured above). The aviary has been built by the team with the help of volunteers from the Ealing Youth Justice Service, a programme to help young people at risk of offending. It is their biggest project at the zoo yet.
The capsule will be opened in 50 years’ time, giving the next generation a glimpse into life in Ealing in 2017.
‘Unique in the zoo world’
Jim Gregory, animal centre manager, explained: “The black cheeked lovebird is one of Africa’s most endangered parrots. It is getting a new home at Hanwell Zoo thanks to the hard work of volunteers from the Ealing Youth Justice Service.
“Their hard work and dedication through the winter months will ensure these incredible birds have a new home next spring. This time capsule is being buried to mark the occasion and suggestions that reflect the spirit of Ealing right now are most welcome.
“Projects like these involving the local community are what make Hanwell Zoo a unique in the zoo world. We are creating new habitats for endangered animals so visitors can learn about them and discover wonderful wildlife on their doorstep.”
Submissions for the time capsule should be made as soon as possible. They can be posted, or hand delivered to Hanwell Zoo, Church Road, Hanwell, W7 3BP. Any items not chosen to be buried in the time capsule can be reclaimed, but cannot be returned by post.
Winter wonderland fun
Visitors popping into the zoo between 2-24 December will see a winter wonderland theme. They will be able to take part in planned activities, see the animals, check on the progress of the new aviary and pick up some Christmas presents from the zoo’s gift shop.
The gift shop has the perfect range of Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. You can even pick up some exclusive, limited edition Hanwell Zoo baubles for your Christmas tree.
Hanwell Zoo also offers annual season tickets and membership packages at great prices. This entrance money will be essential in funding the running costs of the zoo.
To find out more about Hanwell Zoo and keep up to date with all its news and special offers, ‘like’ its Facebook page or visit its website.
