Great Dunmow's 'mini zoo keeper' raises £10,000 for Colchester zoo by building lego version in front garden
Watch Victoria Lampard's full report
A five-year-old from Essex has raised £10,000 for his favourite zoo by creating a mini lego version of it in his front garden.
Thomas (TJ) Rose, who is passionate about animal conservation and is an aspiring zoo keeper, started building his zoo at the beginning of the second lockdown.
The creation sits in his front garden in Great Dunmow.
Colchester Zoo has more than 10,000 animals in its care, and TJ has been visiting since he was a baby.
He wanted to do something to help after its finances were torn apart by the pandemic.
Originally TJ wanted to raise £50, which is enough to feed a rhino for the day.
Three months later, he has reached his target of £10,000.
Attractions across the East have been finding it hard to make ends meet after being forced to shut due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Bosses at Colchester Zoo say they need help now more than ever.
His mum Kirsty Rose says they are extremely proud of him.
Kirsty also added how grateful she is for the donations to TJ's cause:
"We would like to thank everybody who has donated to and shared TJ’s fundraising efforts over the past three months, we are extremely grateful to each and every one of you for your amazing community spirit and support during a time that has been difficult for everyone."
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