MP: Closing the gates was necessary but devastating

DR Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, is delighted to hear the zoo is reopening.

He said: “I’ve been working with and campaigning for Twycross Zoo since prior to lockdown, having asked questions in Prime Minister’s Questions, written to government departments, the Treasury and the Prime Minister, and having had meetings with several ministers.

“Closing the gates was necessary but nevertheless devastating to the zoo’s business model, which in turn jeopardised its conservation programmes and the animals it looks after.

“I’m delighted it can now open its gates next week. Reopening means Twycross Zoo will be able to access its most important source of income once more, but it is not out of the woods yet.

“Visitor numbers will have to be kept relatively low and financial support from the government will be needed.

“Dr Sharon Redrobe and her team at Twycross have done a remarkable job in raising awareness of the challenges that all good zoos face.

“I will continue to work with Sharon and lobby ministers to seek reassurances that Twycross Zoo will receive help through the next tough period of lifting lockdown.”

It is not out of the woods yet. Visitor numbers will have to be kept relatively low

Dr Luke Evans, Bosworth MP