Ford’s exceptionally capable Ranger Raptor pick-up has been chosen by the UK’s largest zoo.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo near Dunstable, Bedfordshire, has more than 3,500 animals at its site, and has now taken delivery of two new Ranger Raptors – Ford’s most extreme pick-up sold in the UK.
The Raptors are to be used transporting food, bedding and toys around the 600-acre site, and will likely prove especially capable with their upgraded suspension system, which includes Fox shock absorbers, while the chassis has been reinforced for extra ability.
Its ride height is also raised significantly next to the standard Ranger, along with getting revised styling – notably a huge ‘FORD’ grille. For zoo duties, the models have been given a special ‘tiger’ livery to make them stand out across the site.
Mike Laird, Ranger product manager for Ford of Europe, said: “The Ranger Raptor is a workhorse, but on this occasion it’s working alongside the horses. These visually striking pick-up trucks will become as much of a visitor attraction as the animals themselves, not least because Ranger Raptors stay still for photos!”
Ford is also loaning sister wildlife park ZSL London Zoo a Ford Transit Custom plug-in hybrid for the capital, with the commercial vehicle’s low emissions making it exempt from the Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Scheme zomes, thanks to a 35-mile electric range.
