Tributes were today paid to London Zoo’s longest-serving volunteer, who has died with Covid-19.
George Fitt, 91, started volunteering there aged 18 and continued well into his eighties. He died at King George Hospital in east London on April 20.
His niece Gena Dye, 62, said: “George was a kind and gentle man and an amazing uncle. He was a real Londoner who loved animals.
"He used to take laundry bags with fruits and vegetables there four times a week, whatever the weather. He was a nice, happy soul and nothing got him down.”
A bench dedicated to Mr Fitt’s late wife, Sheila, was installed at the zoo several years ago.
The couple had volunteered there together and he would visit the bench every day he was at the zoo. His name will be added to the bench in the Casson building.
Tracey Lee, a zoo team leader, said: “George was a lovely gentleman with a passion for the great outdoors and the animal kingdom.
He spoke of when he first clapped eyes on Sheila and it was love at first sight. They shared a love of fauna and flora and animals.”
