Wildlife Rocks!

Oh how pea green am I to have missed a truly phenomenal event recently in the UK. Our wonderful supporter Richard Symonds who, together with Suzie Marsh, held "Moonstruck" in London earlier this year exhibiting the most amazing prints and sculptures of our beautiful bears – and donating 50 per cent of the proceeds to Animals Asia.

Now Rich has kindly helped with another recent event, and also references our fabulous supporters Oliver and Barbara (Babs) who, coincidentally have just been on site with us in Chengdu, enjoying a couple of days of bear therapy with Oliver, Jasper and the other bears, and also coming along on one of our Dr Dog visits at a home for the elderly.

More on that soon, but for now, I'm passing the blog over to Rich, who summarises why the day was such a roaring success.

"When Kay from Animals Asia UK asked if I would like to display a few drawings and prints on the Animals Asia stand alongside some of Suzie Marsh's sculptures at an event called "Wildlife Rocks" at Guildford Cathedral, well it didn't take much to convince me! Not only was it just a few miles from where I live, but it was being hosted by one of my all-time musical heroes and great animal ambassador too, Brian May from the legendary rock band, Queen!

Having set up the Animals Asia stand outside with another legend of the Animals Asia support team, Babs, it wasn't long before Brian May and singer Kerry Ellis made their way over to our stand to have a look and a chat.

In no time at all, our conversation turned to dear Oliver bear who is was the subject of one of my limited edition prints on display. Both Brian and Kerry seemed visibly moved by Oliver's story and by all the other stoic bears' stories too.

It was the perfect opportunity to get a photo with them both and for them to very kindly sign another tiger print that was on display. The event saw many of the big charities attending and was followed by music from local bands and of course Brian and Kerry. Between the music, were talks by David Shepherd of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and Will Travers of the Born Free Foundation, along with the head CEO of the RSPCA.

We were also joined by Animals Asia supporters John, Anna and Khalil, and another long-term super supporter Ollie Lodge, who I believe took the opportunity to have a rare Queen LP signed!

A great day in the sunshine with like-minded people and flying the flag for Animals Asia – just perfect!"