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A Jersey Zoo worker who has raised more than £72,000 for Durrell by completing multiple running challenges in a gorilla suit is now the proud owner of a Guinness World Record.
Will Highfield is officially the fastest man to run a half-marathon dressed as a mammal, with an impressive 1hr 47min 30sec time in this year’s Hospice 2 Hospice race.
Sharing the news with his followers on social media, the former Pride of Jersey Awards finalist and Pride of Britain Awards nominee said he felt "over the moon" and thanked islanders who had helped along the way.
Will said: "I’m immensely proud of the work the team do both at Jersey Zoo and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust globally, so to be able to continue fundraising is an absolute pleasure.
"Thanks to each and every one of you for donating and supporting the trust."
Durrell said the runner has raised over £72,000 on behalf of gorillas at the Zoo and is hoping to hit a goal of £100,000.
He is also planning "fun stuff" in future with previous record holder Chris Green, who fundraises in a rhino suit, and Will said his fundraising would continue until 2025, which would have been Gerald Durrell’s 100th birthday.
Will said he hoped to run a marathon distance (26.2 miles) at each of Durrell’s rewilding sites, including Sumatra, India, Brazil, St Lucia and Madagascar.
These locations are: Sumatra, India, Brazil, Floreana Island (Galapagos Archipelago), St Lucia, Mauritius, Madagascar and Great Britain.
Islanders can support Will’s fundraising HERE.
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