MP continues battle to help crisis-hit zoo

AN MP is continuing the fight to save Twycross Zoo amid warnings of a mass cull if Government funding is not secured.

Twycross was among the zoos allowed to reopen at the start of June, with restrictions including limited visitor numbers to comply with social distancing.

But bosses have said that help is still urgently needed to meet its £650,000-a-month costs.

Zoo chief executive Dr Sharon Redrobe previously warned a parliamentary group that zoos may have to carry out a mass cull if help was not forthcoming.

Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, said in his latest update: “I continue to have regular meetings with officials and members of the government to reiterate the support that Twycross Zoo, and all good zoos, continue to need.

“This week I have had a meeting with Lord Goldsmith, the zoos minister, and civil servants from

DEFRA to continue to push Twycross up the agenda, and what measures and support there are for the zoo sector.

“As ever I’m in close contact with Dr Redrobe to understand the challenges that the zoo faces, and how I can support her and her team in meeting them, and I will continue to explore all avenues available to get support to the zoo.”

Twycross has twice missed out on Government funding set up to support attractions during the Covid-19 crisis.

Managers were infuriated to discover they did not qualify for a share of a £100 million rescue fund for zoos and aquariums announced by the government on June 27.

The stipulations for the funding meant that the UK’s largest conservation centres, including Twycross, were not eligible.

The attraction was likewise too large to qualify for a previous zoo support fund created by the government. ■■Make a donation at: