Zoo warns its future at risk in lockdown

Edinburgh Zoo bosses have made a desperate 11th hour plea to reopen after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon ruled out an early return of visitors.

The UK government has given the green light for zoos and safari parks in England to open to the public from Monday.

But the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) had its hopes of opening at the end of this month dashed after Ms Sturgeon stuck firm to her July 15 date for the next phase of the easing of lockdown measures.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has appealed to the Scottish Government to find a safe way to reopen Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, warning that the charity’s future remains at risk.

The UK Government has given the green light for zoos and safari parks in England to open to the public from Monday.

But the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) had its hopes of opening at the end of this month dashed after Nicola Sturgeon said the next phase of the easing of lockdown measures would start on 15 July.

Responding yesterday to a plea at First Minister’s Question time from Edinburgh West Lib-dem MSP Adam Cole-hamilton, who warned 300 jobs are at risk, Ms Sturgeon said public health measures are “not a popularity contest”.

Mr Cole-hamilton said a petition he launched calling for the zoo to reopen had garnered 3,000 signature and warned costs are running at £700,000 a month.

Last night, the RZSS warned that Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park are at risk if they have to stay closed.

Chief executive David Field said the charity “desperately need our parks to open again”.

He added:“delaying the reopening of Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park for at least five weeks means we will miss the start of the summer and lose £500,000.”

“We have had to borrow £5 million overall due to the loss of our visitor income and every day we remain closed increases the risk that we will not be able to continue our wildlife conservation work.”

The RZSS has written to the Scottish Government to suggest practical ways to reopen both parks and Mr Field continued: “Zoos and safari parks are perfect places for people to visit as society gradually starts to reopen.”