By Government will support Chester Zoo but they say they need action now
Ministers have said that the Government will support Chester Zoo, but the zoo have said that they need action now in order to survive.
Early this month, Chester Zoo announced that as they have been ordered to remain closed indefinitely, the future of the organisation was unclear.
A spokesperson made it clear that they have the facilities to reopen with strict social distancing measures in place.
The company said that if things continue, by the end of 2020 they will have accumulated debts in excess of £24m.
The zoo needs at least £1.6m per month in order to survive.
Chester Zoo fans, councils and MPs highlighted their support for the zoo this week and called on the government to reverse its decision.
The Government have said that they will support Chester Zoo, but as the cost of running the zoo and caring for the animals is ongoing regardless of whether the facilities are open, they say they need action now, or face permanent closure.
Chester Zoo organised a Save Our Zoo fund, and following public support and an influx of £3m in donations, they tweeted:
“This fight is far from over, but it’s made easier knowing we have YOU by our side.
“You’ve made our future look a little less bleak. You’ve made a real difference.
“For that, whatever happens, we’ll forever be thankful.”
Chester Zoo also responded to Matt Hancock, after he acknowledged that wildlife parks need to reopen for the interests of the animals and the survival of such organisations.
They said:
“Other outdoor attractions are open. Non-essential shops are set to open.
“We have proven we are “Covid secure” and @Go_CheshireWest EHO has declared us safe to open.”
But no change in legislation has been announced.
The public have criticised the policy, with many saying that if the Government can consider reopening pubs on June 22, Chester Zoo and other wildlife parks should also be permitted to reopen.
A Chester Zoo spokesperson said:
“While we very much welcome a discussion, what we desperately need, is action.
“The most effective support the government could provide right now is to allow us to put in place our council approved plan to reopen safely.
“Any loan would be designed to allow us to limp through until spring. We don’t want to limp through. We want to stand on our own feet and continue to fight extinction.”
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