A Kingston University student who appealed to animal-lovers to fund research into the abnormal behaviours of tigers, giraffes and elephants in zoos has hit her target following generous donations.

Media and Cultural Studies student Nanna Påskesen, 23, managed to reach her £500 target in just three days thanks to the Surrey Comet.

The killer whale enthusiast aims to make a documentary called Zoochosis – a term coined by Bill Travers about the obsessive and repetitive behaviours of animals held in captivity.

Miss Påskesen, of Saxon Close in Surbiton, who grew up on a farm in Denmark, said: “Since I amazingly reached my £500 goal in three days, and was on £700 in five days, I decided to make a £900 stretch goal, to make Zoochosis bigger and better.

“Having a budget like this gives me so many more possibilities. I am now able to include more interviews, more footage and observations in zoos.”

If Miss Påskesen, who donates money to the Dogs Trust every week, is able to reach her new goal she will be able to visit Scotland to study the only polar bears in the country.

She said: “They are considered to be the species that suffer most from displaying stereotypic behaviours.

“I have never had a good gut feeling when I've seen a polar bear in the zoo, as it just looks wrong and sad.”

Richmond Park and North Kingston MP Zac Goldsmith has already contributed to the project which has £791 in the kitty.

To donate to Zoochosis visit kickstarter.com/projects/711000852/zoochosis-a-short-documentary.