Coronavirus: Boy 'climbs Everest' for Dartmoor Zoo

An 11-year-old boy has raised more than £13,000 by "climbing Everest" to help save a zoo from closure.

Devon's Dartmoor Zoo said it was forced to launch an appeal after it lost all its revenue when it closed last month due to lockdown measures.

Josh White, from Sherborne in Dorset, is climbing his stairs 3,400 times, which he believes is the equivalent to scaling Mount Everest.

The zoo, which has raised £50,000, said it was "incredibly proud" Josh.

Josh said: "I heard about the appeal and I love animals so I just wanted to do something to save them.

"I had seen other people climbing their stairs to the height of Everest so I thought I'd give it a go."

He has climbed 1,600 flights so far and is about halfway through his challenge.

"It's a very big accomplishment but the carpet is going to be very worn when I have finished," Josh added.

"I've had some really kind messages of encouragement, even from people in Florida, Australia, New Zealand and Canada."

Coral Jonas, from Dartmoor Zoo, said it had an "ongoing funding target" of £11,500 per week during lockdown.

Although the zoo was able to save money by furloughing two thirds of its staff, she added it was not eligible for funding as it had only been a registered charity for five years.

"Josh is doing superbly and we are incredibly proud of him," Ms Jonas said.

"If we don't raise the money, we will have to shut the zoo and rehome the animals which is not an easy job as they need specialist care."

Mount Everest stands at 8,848m (29,029ft) above sea level.