Some of Britain’s most popular zoos may face closure if the UK government doesn’t help as promised soon.
In June, the UK government announced a Zoo Animals Fund, which pledged £100 million to help zoos get back on their feet amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since been reported that only four zoos that applied for the fund have received the promised money.
Chester Zoo is one animal park still awaiting payment. Like most attractions, the much-loved Cheshire zoo was forced to close in March before been given the green light to reopen in July.
However, with 35,000 animals to take care of during the four month closure, and now a reduced capacity in place, the 126-acre animal park is majorly suffering. Its feared the extreme financial losses could be detrimental to the zoo’s future.
Crippling losses
Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston is now concerned the zoo is falling gravely short of the £1.6 million a month it needs to survive, and urges the government to act fast before Chester Zoo and other visitor attractions in the country fall victim to the pandemic.
Extensive talks have been had by Chester Zoo and Government officials to support the much-loved zoo throughout the last few months. However, Chester Zoo Chief Operating Officer Jamie Christon has expressed his disappointment and worry that no funds have yet to be put on the table.
Speaking to CheshireLive Madders said: “I am concerned that zoos like my own Chester Zoo will face financial ruin unless the Government wake up to the reality that their support fund is an illusion.
“Unfortunately, I fear they already know this and are content to pretend to be helping when they have no intention of doing so at all.”
Commenting on the crisis, a spokesperson from the UK Government suggested they are working as rapidly as possible to help the cash-strapped zoos.
In more uplifting news, the world’s largest chocolate museum has just opened in Switzerland.
