Decision leaves us fighting for survival says zoo boss
Government changed regulations at the end of May
BOSSES at Twycross Zoo were dismayed to discover that the centre faces indefinite closure under new coronavirus restrictions.
Amendments to the Covid19 regulations have added zoos to the list of places that must remain closed until further notice from the Government.
The attraction was gearing up to reopen, introducing a number of safety measures for visitors.
Twycross faces costs of £650,000 a month to look after its 15 species of animals, with its reserve funds now all but used up since it closed in March.
Dr Sharon Redrobe, chief executive of the zoo, said: “This is such a frustrating time for all at Twycross Zoo, and this decision to close us ‘indefinitely’ leaves us fighting for our survival as a conservation charity and zoo.
“Since the 23rd of March we have remained closed and been keen to play our part to protect the public, our staff and animals from any risks.
“As the infection rate has lowered over recent weeks and lockdown restrictions had slowly started to lift, we were hopeful that Twycross Zoo, along with other large rural conservation zoos, may be able to reopen safely.
“We are ready with a plethora of measures to ensure everyone’s safety and strongly believe that our zoo would provide a safe place for people to enjoy a much-needed day out, while providing vital support for conservation and helping secure our survival.
“It is disappointing that large rural conservation zoos, like ours, seem to be being grouped with other venues that maybe can’t manage measures as easily due to the nature of their environment and who present different risk profiles.”
Measures included restricting the number of tickets with visitors asked to book a time when they would come, installing a one-way system and keeping some parts of the zoo closed.
Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, has called for Government funding for Twycross, writing to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ask for support.
Dr Evans said: “Ensuring the future of Twycross Zoo has been a local priority for me throughout the coronavirus outbreak and it continues to be.
“Following on from my last meeting with the zoos minister, Lord Goldsmith, I have continued to be in close contact with Defra and Public Health England calling for Twycross Zoo to be safely reopened, with appropriate social distancing, as soon as possible.
“After speaking with the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for zoos, all MPs with a charity-funded zoo in their constituency have now written directly to the Prime Minister to call for a suitable financial package to help the zoos at this difficult time.
“I’m hopeful that we’ll see some movement on this soon.”
The zoo launched a fundraising campaign to support it through the lockdown, which so far has raised over £100,000.
It had hoped to receive some financial support from the Government’s Zoo Support Fund, which Twycross Zoo helped lobby for, but the centre is too big to qualify.
You can make a donation on the zoo website.