Zoo arranges for Holly, 7, to become princess for the day
A seven-year-old girl with a spinal disorder had all her wishes come true when she became a princess for the day at Dudley Zoo.
Holly Foley, who suffers from sacral agenesis, received a royal tour of the site's farmyard and a VIP meet-and-greet session with the animals, before she was greeted by zoo chief executive Peter Suddock who presented her with an adoption package for guinea pig – named Rapunzel after a Disney princess.
The youngster, who attends Ashwood Park Primary School in Wordsley, was treated to the special day after revealing her dream to the Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity, which organises wishes for children with serious or life-threatening illnesses.
After being contacted by the charity, zoo staff pulled out all the stops to make sure Holly and her family, who live in Wordsley, had a day to remember.
Head of media and communications Jill Hitchman, said: "Holly had a great day and came dressed regally for the occasion in a beautiful princess dress.
"She loved the chance to hold many of the site's smaller animals, including Maisie the giant rabbit, Elton the chinchilla and Smokey the ferret and was over the moon to be presented with an adoption package for Rapunzel."
During her visit Holly also toured the rest of the 40-acre site, stopping off to see a baby Rothschild's giraffe, Kito, a snow leopard cub, Makalu, and four newborn meerkats.
Holly said: "I loved meeting the animals especially Rapunzel, who was really friendly and cuddly and I can come back and see her now as I've adopted her."
Mum, Julie-Ann Perks, said: "Holly had a fantastic day. She loves anything to do with princesses and is animal mad so the day was just perfect for her. She didn't stop smiling the whole time."
See also: Sign of the times as Dudley Zoo relics unearthed.
