STAFF at West Midland Safari Park are celebrating after raising more than £14,000 for conservation charities in 2016.

The cash was raised by staff and guests onsite, through competitions, donations and VIP experiences. Some funds were even donated by supporters online on JustGiving pages.

Park staff, especially the animal keepers, made it their mission to raise as much as they could and were put through their paces in a variety of sponsored events, including swimming, cycling and rock climbing.

Every year since 2014, the Bewdley park's wildlife team have chosen four conservation charities and a special week is set aside to focus solely on each charity. This is alongside the park's support for the Namibian Wildlife Conservation Trust - who they fundraise for throughout the year.

Last year, a fifth conservation week was added during May half term to support Save the Rhino International - following the park's arrival of a southern white rhino calf, Ekozu, in March.

Katie McDonald, research and conservation officer at the park, said: "We have a duty to contribute to the conservation of the species we care for at the Safari Park, especially those which are threatened with extinction in the wild.

"Therefore last year we supported the Marine Conservation Society, Grevy's Zebra Trust, 21st Century Tiger, Save the Rhino International and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

"We are very proud of our achievements in 2016 but I believe we have to do more.

"With the continuing support of our guests and friends on social media, I am confident we will meet more ambitious targets this year."

Josephine Gibson, from Save the Rhino International, added: "Thank you West Midland Safari Park and all your visitors for raising a fantastic £4,939.68 in 2016 to protect critically endangered black rhinos in Namibia with Save the Rhino International.

"We really appreciate the amazing support from all the staff and visitors who have helped fundraise by donating, buying rhino gifts, participating in money-can't-buy rhino experiences and attending a rhino conservation talk at the park.

"The unique population of desert-adapted black rhinos in Namibia is under threat of poaching for their horn.

"Recently rhino poaching has spread from South Africa into neighbouring Namibia and Zimbabwe, and 1,338 rhinos were illegally killed by poachers across Africa in 2015.

"We really appreciate West Midland Safari Park's support for the rangers who are working hard to protect black rhinos in Namibia."

West Midland Safari Park is now in its winter season and is open on weekends only.

For more information or to book tickets, visit wmsp.co.uk or call 01299 402114.