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Pitt’s Oakland Zoo Sends Helping Hand to the Real One

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Pitt’s Oakland Zoo is trying to help a six-year-old save the real one.

The Oakland Zoo, the one in Oakland, California with wild animals, and not just basketball-crazy ones, is in danger of closing thanks to a loss of revenue due to being shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Andy Soulard is a six-year-old East Bay, California resident that didn’t want to see her favorite zoo shut down. Soulard and her family launched a fundraising campaign to help keep the zoo running until it can safely re-open.

“She was really disappointed to hear that,” Soulard’s mother, Kelly told NBC Bay Area. “She was like, ‘Is there anything that I can do to help with the zoo.’ I said, ‘Well, we can start a fundraiser.’”

Andy Soulard made the first donation herself, contributing $5 of money she got from the Tooth Fairy. Since then, Soulard’s fundraiser has earned over $100,000, with Soulard making bracelets for those that donate over $25.

On Friday night, the Oakland Zoo, Pitt’s student body basketball fan club notorious for its all-gold shirts and jumping up and down through basketball games, threw its support behind Soulard’s efforts.

“The other Oakland Zoo, is in danger of permanent closure due to coronavirus revenue loss,” the Zoo wrote on its official Twitter account. “If you are interested in helping you can sign the petition for a reopening or donate to Andy’s fundraiser.”

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker
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