Coronavirus: British zoos 'at risk of extinction' after being told to remain closed

Zoos across the UK who have been told to remain closed despite the easing of some lockdown measures say they are at "risk of extinction" as fears continue to grow for animals and staff.

Some of the biggest animal attractions in the country have revealed they are losing as much as £1 million a month as they wait for the green light to reopen.

Chester Zoo, the UK's biggest such attraction which is home to 35,000 animals, has already lost £5m due to the coronavirus pandemic.

London Zoo and Whipsnade have also revealed their futures "hang in the balance" and need a "significant injection of cash" to survive.

Other zoos, including at Colchester and Twycross, say the public's support is "critical - now more than ever" as they continue to appeal for donations to keep afloat.

Chester Zoo has been closed since 21 March and the revenue from visitors makes up 97% of its income. More than two million people visited its Cheshire site in 2019.

It costs £465,000 a month to care for its animals and there are fears its debts could rise to more than £24m by the end of the year.

Jamie Christon, Chester Zoo's chief operating officer, said: "The government has ordered us to stay closed indefinitely and Chester Zoo is very much fighting for its future.

"This change in law has flicked a switch for us and, heartbreakingly, our lights are now flickering.

"Not being able to open, despite being a huge outdoor site with all the necessary safety measures in place, is having a devastating impact of the future survival of this much-loved charity zoo.

"We're heading towards debt in excess of £24m by the end of 2020 - this will financially cripple us.

"We absolutely refuse to cut corners when it comes to caring for the animals. Not being able to open, with such massive outgoings, puts the future of the zoo itself at risk of extinction."

Mr Christon said a number of measures had been put in place at the zoo to make it safe for the public, including self-scanning ticket lanes, floor markings and one-way systems.

Conservation charity, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), runs the London and Whipsnade zoos and warned both attractions are "less likely" to survive the longer it has to keep each site closed.

Director general at ZSL, Dominic Jermey, said: "We find it is simply bizarre that we have been told not to reopen to the public, despite having explained to government in great detail how we have redesigned the whole experience at our zoos to make them COVID-secure.

"The longer we stay closed, the less likely we are to survive the lockdown."

A fund to support zoos was set up by the government following successful lobbying, but larger charity zoos remain ineligible for help from the scheme.