VISITORS to Chester Zoo will get a rare chance to see the animals before opening hours next month, during a special sponsored walk for elephants.

At 9am on Sunday August 11, the zoo's third annual Summer Stampede event will raise vital funds to protect endangered Asian elephants.

For the first time, fundraisers across the country will also be able to take part.

Conservationists have opened up the event to those who cannot make it the zoo, meaning walkers can gather their own herd of people and join in the stampede from any location.

Leri Price, individual giving specialist at Chester Zoo, said: "The zoo is a special place in the morning, as the sun rises and the animals begin to explore in search of breakfast.

"For those joining our Summer Stampede in the zoo, there’ll also be a talk and a warm-up with our Zoo Rangers, as well as entry to the zoo all day."

The fundraising event is part of the zoo's Never Forget campaign, fighting to find a solution to a deadly virus threatening Asian elephants worldwide.

Elephant calves at the zoo have fallen victim to the EEHV virus in recent years, while fatalities are being recorded in increasing numbers across the species' native range in the wild.

However, huge progress has been made in the search for an answer to the global crisis.

A team from Chester Zoo, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the University of Surrey – backed by more than £280,000 in public donations to the zoo – have been at the forefront of scientific research.

Earlier this year, two-year-old calf Indali Hi Way became one of the first Asian elephants to survive the virus, thanks to the development of ground-breaking early detection and treatment methods.

The ultimate goal is to develop an effective vaccine that could be rolled out worldwide.

Julie Platt, fundraising manager at Chester Zoo, said: "The annual Summer Stampede is a wonderful, magical experience for everyone involved.

"Crucially, it also raises vital funds to support the zoo's work as a conservation charity.

"Our battle to protect elephants – here at the zoo and worldwide – from EEHV is progressing brilliantly. Saving Indali here at the zoo was a ground-breaking moment.

"But there is a lot of work still to do. Each and every fundraiser joining us this August is playing a major role in safeguarding the future of the Asian elephant."

The walk in the zoo is approximately 2km long, with a shorter 'toddle' available for younger fundraisers or anyone who needs it.

Those who wish to choose their own Stampede location are free to choose their own distance.

Visit the Chester Zoo website to book your place:

www.chesterzoo.org/stampede