By Don Mort, local democracy reporter
A fundraising appeal has been launched to help open a tropical-themed visitor attraction at Pudsey Park.
Help is needed to complete work on the Really Wild Zoo, set to occupy the former visitor centre and glasshouse at the park.
JungleBox Ltd has been converting the site into a wildlife space where exotic animals will live.
The project is set to bring disused buildings which closed during the Covid pandemic back into use.
Donations are being accepted online after the fundraising target was set at £25,000.
JungleBox director Matt Shaw said: “As we speak, we are in the final stages of a major renovation of these beloved buildings.
“This includes the installation of what we believe is the world’s longest freshwater fish tank, to bring a unique, interactive wildlife experience to our local community.
“We are currently running a community-led Crowdfunder campaign to help us complete these final preparations for our opening.”
Work on the project began after plans for the park were agreed with Leeds City Council.
The online appeal has so far raised almost £1,000 towards the target.
JungleBox’s Crowdfunder web page said: “We are calling upon the Pudsey community now, and all those that believe in the restoration of these buildings, to support us in bringing this vision to bear.”
Animals in the zoo centre would be able to behave as they would in their natural habitats, JungleBox said.
The fundraising page said: “Our exhibits will display animals you have never heard of before, in ways that you have never seen before.”
The crowdfunder can be found here.
Sponsored content
