Animal lovers have been offered the chance to help rescue a tropical zoo by supporting a fundraiser’s 112-mile trike ride.

Jon Hardy, a campaigner and former councillor, will set off on his marathon journey from Bristol to Brentford tomorrow in a bid to help the Tropical Forest, in Syon Park.

The 52-year-old said he will not ask anyone to sponsor him - and instead urged supporters to guess how long he will take to complete the trip, making a donation if they wish, and have a shot at winning a string of top prizes.

The zoo faces an uncertain future after hearing it would be closed down to make room for a luxurious Waldorf Astoria hotel. Hounslow Council found an alternative site next to Hounslow Urban Farm, in Feltham, but it still needs about £350,000 to afford the move.

Mr Hardy, of Amhurst Gardens, Isleworth, said: “If every person in Hounslow gave £1.50 to the tropical zoo then it’s job done. It sounds like a lot but if we tackle this as a community then it’s simple.”

He added: “I would dearly have liked this unique facility to stay in the Brentford and Isleworth area, but at least this keeps it in the borough.

“The tropical zoo is a unique resource not only to Hounslow but to west London and beyond, they play host to some 60,000 school kids each year and the way they bring them up close with the animals is nothing short of inspiring.”

The 20-year-old zoo’s lease will expire in September, and its hundreds of animals will find a new home in Feltham if it is granted planning approval and it can raise enough money for the £1.5m move.

Mr Hardy also scuba-dived in the Tropical Forest’s piranha tank last year to raise awareness of its plight.

He will make his final pit stop tomorrow in Hounslow town centre before crossing the finishing line in Brentford High Street.