GRIMSBY TELEGRAPH (UK) 08 April 08 Think You're Braver Than Indiana Jones?
It started out as an April Fool's joke, but has ended in a snappy job offer for one brave window cleaner.
As reported, The Jungle Zoo, on Cleethorpe's, King's Road, called the Telegraph to ask if there were any courageous window cleaners in the area who would be prepared to take on the task of cleaning the attraction's Caiman alligator enclosure.
Of course, it was an April 1 joke. However, after we reported the "story", it was later picked up by the BBC, featuring it on News24, and the Jungle Zoo was flooded with offers from intrepid window cleaners.
Now the zoo has decided that a helping hand isn't such a bad idea after all, and the search is on for a cross between Steve Irwin and Mr Muscle.
Spokesman for the Jungle Zoo Bernard Bale said: "It started as a joke, but then it just took off. The Telegraph printed the story and then the next thing we knew the BBC were all over us and taking it quite seriously.
"We just went along with it, but then we were inundated with people offering their services.
"When we thought about it we realised we do actually need a window cleaner as the snake enclosures can get a bit muddy.
"We've had cards dropped through the door and people phoning up. The response has been fantastic, and it's all through the power of the Telegraph!"
One window cleaner eager to take on the challenge was forced to drop out after he was unable to secure insurance for the mammoth task, so now staff at the zoo are busy reviewing the applications.
However, the successful candidate would have to come face to face with some of nature's most fierce creatures, including 15ft Burmese pythons and a yellow anaconda.
"I don't think they would have to be particularly brave," said Mr Bale. "But they might have to be particularly daft!
"Indiana Jones was scared of snakes, so they'd have to have a bit more bottle than him.
"I guess we're just looking for someone with a sense of adventure."
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