Suffolk villagers create their own animal wonderland to raise money for Colchester Zoo

Some of the animals on display around the village. Credit: Sarah Boxhall/Long Melford residents

Residents of a Suffolk village have created their own pop-up zoo.

Villagers in Long Melford organised the project to raise money for nearby Colchester Zoo which is facing huge financial pressures as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead of real animals, residents created their own attractions by either donating stuffed toys or making them themselves out of cardboard boxes.

They've even made their own map, so people can walk around the village and view the animals which are displayed on front gardens.

Sarah Boxhall, who organised the project, said she was "really chuffed" with how it had turned out.

Colchester announced this week they are hopeful of reopening in July, if it's safe to do so.

  • Picture gallery of some of the animals

The giraffe enclosure. Credit: Sarah Boxhall/Long Melford residents
The penguin enclosure. Credit: Sarah Boxhall/Long Melford residents
Even car boots are being used to display animals. Credit: Sarah Boxhall/Long Melford residents
The panda enclosure. Credit: Sarah Boxhall/Long Melford residents
The bear enclosure. Credit: Sarah Boxhall/Long Melford residents
A giraffe on display on a front lawn. Credit: Sarah Boxhall/Long Melford residents
The flamingo enclosure. Credit: Sarah Boxhall/Long Melford residents
The monkey enclosure. Credit: Sarah Boxhall/Long Melford residents
Farmyard animals, like chickens, aren't left out. Credit: Sarah Boxhall/Long Melford residents
Residents can learn fun facts about the animals. Credit: Sarah Boxhall/Long Melford residents
The elephant enclosure. Credit: Sarah Boxhall/Long Melford residents