Chester Zoo has joined Cheshire West and Chester Council and has pledged its support for the Armed Forces after signing up to a special covenant.
The Armed Forces Corporate Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian organisation and its local Armed Forces Community.
The zoo is giving its backing to serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families in a number of ways including taking part in special events, and supporting staff who serve as reservists.
For Chester Zoo and Cheshire West and Chester Council, which helped facilitate the agreement, the covenant presents an opportunity to bring knowledge, experience and expertise to support the Armed Forces Community.
Council Armed Forces Member Champion, Councillor Jill Houlbrook, said: “This covenant is very special because it puts into a formal document the immense respect and gratitude we have for our armed forces and their families.
“And it is more than just words because it is a commitment from Chester Zoo and Cheshire West and Chester Council to support them both now and in the future.”
Jamie Christon, Chester Zoo’s Managing Director, said: “Chester Zoo is proud to be supporting the Armed Forces in this way and we look forward to building on our already strong relationship with them.”
Three years ago Cheshire West and Chester Council made a formal pledge to offer support and practical help for Armed Forces personnel and their families and signed the Cheshire Community Covenant.
Photograph (l-r): Patrick Sebastian, CWaC Armed Forces Officer Champion; Jamie Christon, Chester Zoo Managing Director; Councillor Jill Houlbrook, CwaC Armed Forces Member Champion and Ward Councillor, Lt Col Rosie Stone Head of Army Employer and Community Engagement NW England; Steve Wotherspoon, Regional Employer Engagement Director NW Reserve Forces & Cadets Association; Ward Councillor Hilarie McNae
