Bristol Post

Jobs to be cut in ‘last resort’ as zoo faces losses

- Emma GRIMSHAW emma.grimshaw@reachplc.com

BRISTOL Zoo is making redundanci­es as it faces losing millions of pounds this year due to the coronaviru­s pandemic.

Bristol Zoological Society has announced 35 posts are at risk of being made redundant, with a formal consultati­on under way.

The Society, which runs Bristol Zoo Gardens and the Wild Place Project, was forced to close both its sites during much of the peak season, and this has had a ‘significan­t impact’.

Bosses say this has been the most challengin­g year in the society’s 185-year history, and redundanci­es are a last resort.

And more uncertaint­y and pressure around the future of the society lies ahead, bosses confirmed.

Despite re-opening in June, the attraction­s are running at reduced visitor numbers to meet social distancing requiremen­ts. These measures are likely to continue for the foreseeabl­e future, which is having a ‘detrimenta­l impact’ on finances.

The zoo is unable to claim through the Government’s Zoo Animals Fund, which only provides relief for zoos with no more than 12 weeks of funding remaining.

A number of zoos have already been forced to permanentl­y shut across the country, including Borth Wild Animal Kingdom and Hertfordsh­ire’s Ventura Wildlife Park.

Zoos have huge overhead costs which have to be met despite the venue being closed.

Dr Justin Morris, CEO of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “There is little doubt that this year has been by far the most challengin­g year that the Society has ever faced in its 185-year history.

“Like many in the tourism sector, we rely on the spring and summer months to generate much-needed income to support our work for the entire year.

“Despite reopening our two attraction­s in the summer after prolonged closures, we limited our visitor capacity on site to maintain social distancing and to ensure the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers.

“This meant we have been unable to make up the huge shortfall in income lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic and we are currently facing a multi-million-pound loss for 2020.

“With limits on visitor numbers likely to be in place during 2021 also, we will continue to feel the impact of coronaviru­s for the foreseeabl­e future.

“Our fixed costs are high. The expense of caring for our animals is considerab­le. We continue to run our conservati­on breeding programmes as well as our conservati­on field projects across four continents.

“This work is now more important than ever before in a world where humans and wildlife are increasing­ly struggling to co-exist.”

Throughout the pandemic, the organisati­on used the Government’s furlough scheme, however this is now ending.

‘We have been genuinely humbled by the heartfelt messages of support, and donations to our fundraisin­g appeal, from our visitors, members, and the general public - but whilst generous, and valued, this is not enough to sustain us,” said Mr Morris.

“We are now facing even more uncertaint­y and pressure, at a time when we, like others, are having to operate under very challengin­g circumstan­ces.

“Redundanci­es have always been a last resort, but sadly it has now become inevitable, and we would like to pay tribute to our excellent and committed colleagues.

“I would like to thank all who have supported Bristol Zoological Society throughout this difficult period and continue to do so.

“This support is more important than ever before to help safeguard the future of Bristol Zoological Society, and our internatio­nally important conservati­on work.”

 ??  ?? The entrance to Bristol Zoo Gardens
The entrance to Bristol Zoo Gardens

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