A really wild day out for the Johnstons

A lucky family from Tring 
enjoyed a grrrr-eat time at Whipsnade Zoo, rubbing shoulders with one of the biggest names in kids’ TV.
The Johnston family from Wilstone, near Tring, join other competition winners to meet TV's Deadly 60 presenter Steve Backshall at Whipsnade ZooThe Johnston family from Wilstone, near Tring, join other competition winners to meet TV's Deadly 60 presenter Steve Backshall at Whipsnade Zoo
The Johnston family from Wilstone, near Tring, join other competition winners to meet TV's Deadly 60 presenter Steve Backshall at Whipsnade Zoo

The Johnston family, who live in Wilstone, experienced a day out of Deadly proportions at the nearby animal attraction after winning a prize to explore the zoo with CBBC’s Deadly 60 presenter Steve Backshall.

Evie, eight, and 10-year-old Ollie, along with mum Vicki, were delighted to discover they had won the competition they had entered while exploring the zoo’s Deadly-themed trail last year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Their prize included a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feed otters, giraffes and hippos, alongside one other winning family, as well as a chance to be as brave as Backshall himself and handle some giant bugs.

Backshall, who also competed in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing last year, said: “It’s been a real privilege to meet competition winners Ollie, Evie, Fred and Heather, all of whom have given me a run for my money when it comes to knowing lots about animals.”

Starstruck Deadly 60 fan Ollie said: “My favourite part of the day was the meerkats. I have kind of an obsession with meerkats and I really enjoyed feeding them.” Evie added: “The giraffes were much stronger than I thought. I was holding onto a branch and one nearly picked me up!”

Related topics: