A FUNDRAISING drive at Dudley Zoo to build a new home for its orangutans has reached its halfway point thanks to the generosity of donors.

Half of the £800,000 needed for the enclosure has now been raised, less than two years after the campaign was launched.

Now, the zoo is calling for people to keep supporting the drive so they can push the amount over the finishing line.

The new enclosure, which is hoped will be completed by winter next year, will house the zoo's four critically endangered Bornean orangs Benji, Jorong, Jazz and Sprout.

Zoo Director Derek Grove, said: “This is great news as we’re right on track with our fundraising efforts for work to begin in winter 2020 and by next year the zoo will also be in a position to put in the rest of the money.”

The outdoor extension, which will be shared with the lar gibbons, is expected to take up to six months to build and will see the wild dogs relocated on site and their paddock incorporated into the design.

The enclosure, which will be encompassed by a woven net, will also include telegraph poles, hammocks and ropes to encourage the arboreal primates to climb high.

Visitors to the zoo can buy a colourful appeal wristband or pin badge to show their support to the cause and contributions can be sent via Justgiving by texting DZ0037 then the amount to 70070.