Lion Keeper to run marathon, raise fund for animal conservation

A dedicated lion keeper from Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, United Kingdom, is set to run a marathon across Kenya to raise funds for endangered species in Africa. Caleb Hall, the park’s lead carnivore keeper, will participate in the Lewa Safari Marathon on June 29, aiming to raise £3,000 for the animal conservation charity Tusk.

“Many of the species I’m lucky enough to work with at Longleat are at risk of disappearing forever, and that’s why raising money for Tusk is so important to me,” said Mr. Hall, 36. “I have such a strong passion for these animals and want to ensure they are here for the next generation to enjoy.”

The Lewa Safari Marathon, organized by Tusk, is renowned as one of the world’s ‘must do’ marathons due to its challenging conditions, including high temperatures and altitudes reaching up to 1,750 feet.

Having worked at Longleat for over 12 years, Mr. Hall previously ran the London Marathon for Tusk in 2016. “I love looking after my animals, especially our lions here, but if I can do something to help their wild counterparts, that’s exactly what I want to do,” he stated. “The Lewa Marathon has always been a dream of mine because you get to run in the footsteps of wild animals.”

To prepare, Mr. Hall has been training around the Longleat estate, focusing on its hilly terrain. “While I can’t prepare for the heat or altitude in Lewa, I’ve been running many of Longleat’s hills and taking in the beautiful landscapes right on our doorstep,” he added.

Culled from BBC