Animal aid cash crisis
Zoos, aquariums and safari parks warn they need massive public support after a pandemic aid scheme flopped. Only 7% of a £100million package has been spent because rules to access it proved too narrow.
As the attractions prepare to reopen tomorrow, Andy Hall, of the British and Irish Association of
Zoos and Aquariums, said: “Zoos were only able to access the money if down to their last three months’ reserves.
“But it doesn’t work like that. It can take two years to rehome a rhino or elephant, by which time it is too late.
“Because of the way this fund was set up, zoos were unable to access support as tourist attractions either. The public have been brilliant with donations. Now we need them to visit.”
The average zoo lost £2million last year after being fully open for just 38 days.
They contribute to conservation projects in 105 countries and nine UK zoos and aquariums alone are responsible for keeping 29 species from extinction and restoring dozens more.