Paignton Zoo's Stolen Little Tikes Are Replaced

By Philip Knowling

Paignton, UK - A South Devon custom car company has raced to the rescue of a local charity after thieves made off with children’s ride-on toy cars.

Paignton Mum Hayley Stanley and her two year old son Oakley are regular visitors to Hullabaloo, Paignton Zoo’s under-fives’ area. When Hayley discovered that Hullabaloo had lost most of its toy ride-on cars, she turned to her partner, David, who runs Speed Culture, based at Yalberton Industrial Estate in Paignton.

Now, Hayley and company staff have clubbed together to buy new toy cars worth £200 – including two large cars, three push along quads and one three-wheeled bike.

Paignton Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: “We had 8 or 9 plastic ride-on pedal cars for toddlers. Over the years they have disappeared from the Hullabaloo garden. This is a wonderful gesture from both Hayley and Speed Culture.”

Hayley is a Paignton Zoo annual member and uses Hullabaloo regularly: “Hullabaloo is great for kids because there’s lots of space to play and it’s safe. These cars may not be quite as powerful as the vehicles Speed Culture work on, but they mean a lot to local children.”

Hullabaloo is Paignton Zoo’s under-fives’ resource, catering for play groups and nurseries. It is open to visitors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. and can also be booked by pre-school groups.

Paignton Zoo is a registered charity. For more information ring (01803) 697500or go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk.