East Bay Girl Raises Money To Save Zoo

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — It all started with her money from the tooth fairy. Now, a little girl has raised more than $100,000 in her bid to save a zoo and its animals.

The Oakland Zoo announced late last month that it needs to reopen by mid-July, or it could go bankrupt. It costs $1 million a month to feed the animals and run the zoo, and with the gates shuttered since March because of coronavirus shelter-in-place rules, the zoo is quickly burning through its reserves.

When 6-year-old Andy Soulard of Castro Valley heard the news, she sprang into action. She's been a member of the zoo since she was a baby and couldn't imagine the zoo permanently closing.

Andy's mom started a Facebook campaign with a simple appeal, "Andy loves the Oakland Zoo and was heartbroken to hear they may need to shut down permanently. She’s starting off the fundraiser by donating the $5 she received from the Tooth Fairy this week. 100% of your donations will go to the Zoo! She is also making bracelets for every donation over $25."

The appeal won hearts, and the campaign has raised more than $100,000 in just over a week.

Contributors praised Andy for her efforts. Terri Machado called her a rockstar. Jenny Day said, "This is Awesome! A reminder of how little things can make a HUGE difference!"

If you'd like to help Andy make a difference, here is the Facebook campaign.

You may also donate directly to the zoo. They have a variety of options available, from adopt-an-animal to stock transfers.

Watch Andy on ABC7 News.