Meet the six year old girl who raised over $138K for the Oakland Zoo

In the wake of the Oakland Zoo’s announcement that it is losing millions of dollars and may have to close permanently due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, a Castro Valley girl is stepping up to make a big difference.

On July 4, 6-year-old Andy Soulard, with a little help from mom, created a Facebook page asking people do donate money in an effort to help the zoo make up for its roughly $2 million monthly revenue loss.

“Andy loves the Oakland Zoo and was heartbroken to hear they may need to shut down permanently,” reads a Facebook post at the top of her page. “She’s starting off the fundraiser by donating the $5 she received from the Tooth Fairy this week.”

Since that initial post, Andy has put up big numbers, raising more than $109,000 as of Friday afternoon.

The message goes on to say that “100 percent of your donations will go to the Zoo! She is also making bracelets for every donation over $25.”

Currently, with the help of classmates and friends, Andy is working to make 400 bracelets for the tidal wave of donors who have already qualified to receive the beaded baubles.

In addition to the money, messages of love and support have been pouring in.

“You are amazing! My husband and I are both donating,” wrote Nancy Clark. “I wanted to share with you — my family started the Zoo in 1922. When I was your age, I basically lived at the Zoo. Both my sister and I helped our grandparents and parents — we sold tickets and food, played and fed the animals, etc.”

“I am very optimistic that your donations along with all the community support will secure the Zoo’s future for another 100 years,” Clark wrote. “We will get through the pandemic and continue to provide wildlife protection and conservation — we must.”