Torquay schoolgirl’s epic walk raises hundreds for zoo

A determined young Torquay fundraiser has gone the extra mile – six of them, in fact – in support of Paignton Zoo. 

Tallulah Bowen, aged ten, conquered a six-mile sponsored walk from her school gates all the way to Paignton Zoo, raising a whopping £360 for the conservation charity. 

Setting off just after 8am, Tallulah trekked approximately six miles through Cockington Country Park and along the South West Coast Path before arriving at the zoo shortly after 10am, sporting a custom-made T-shirt printed especially for the walk. 

"The hardest part was definitely walking up the hill to Cockington," admitted the exhausted Shiphay Learning Academy pupil, who completed the challenge as part of her Torbay Civic Award. 

Tallulah initially set a fundraising target of £250 but quickly surpassed this goal, raising her target to £350 – which she also exceeded before the walk even began. 

Proud dad Craig, who joined his daughter on the epic journey, beamed: "We are so, so proud of Tallulah." 

Her thrilled mum, grandparents, and younger siblings were waiting at the finish line, waving handmade placards and cheering wildly as the tired but triumphant schoolgirl completed her mission. 

The family celebrated by spending the day at the zoo visiting Tallulah's favourite residents - with armadillos, binturongs, and Bruce the echidna topping her list. 

Steph Dawson, Business Development Manager for Paignton Zoo, said: "Not only are we deeply grateful, but we are so impressed! For a young person to take on such a physical challenge shows remarkable commitment to wildlife conservation. 

"The money she raised will directly support our vital work caring for endangered species. Young supporters like Tallulah give us hope for the future - they are tomorrow's conservationists." 

Animal-lover Tallulah, who dreams of becoming a zookeeper or marine biologist, added: "I just love animals. I hope to work with animals when I'm older." 

The sponsored walk forms part of Tallulah's work towards her Torbay Civic Award, which encourages children to make positive contributions to their local community.