Sky-high energy bills have led to the group behind Africa Alive and Banham Zoo coming up with an innovative way to raise extra funds by offering business Christmas parties. 

The Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), the charity that runs the popular animal attractions in Norfolk and Suffolk, is offering Christmas Parties with a Difference. 

The parties include a full day of volunteering, teambuilding and behind-the-scenes animal experiences, as well as a two-course Christmas lunch. 

The charity said that all funds raised from the parties will go towards helping the zoos survive the energy crisis and continue their conservation work. 

Claudia Roberts, CEO of ZSEA, said: “As a charity, we solely rely on the support of our members, visitors and volunteers to continue our vital conservation work.

"This is a fantastic way for East Anglian businesses to give back to their local conservation charity this Christmas, helping us to protect wildlife and critically endangered animals.

“The financial impact of rising energy bills is equivalent to our charity hiring 24 members of staff overnight, creating a perfect storm when combined with rising interest rates, and a cost of living crisis impacting vital visitor income.”