Twycross Zoo is ‘fighting for survival’

TWYCROSS Zoo must remain closed indefinitely under new coronavirus restrictions and faces a fight for its survival, writes Nick Dawson.

Amendments to the Covid-19 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 by 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.

Chief executive Dr Sharon Redrobe 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 March 23 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.”

Measures planned 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 written to the Prime Minister calling for government funding to help Twycross survive.

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.”