Zoos can bid for a slice of £100million to ease the impact of the coronavirus crisis, ministers announced today.
The Government scheme will run until April and comes as zoos and aquariums in England prepare to reopen cafés and exhibits from Monday.
Their outdoor attractions were given the green light to reopen from June 15 – boosting their coffers after three months of lockdown.
Experts had warned the lack of visitors was crippling the industry and stripping some zoos of their funding lifeline – making it difficult to afford food for some animals.
Animal Welfare Minister Lord Zac Goldsmith said today: “We have a world-leading zoo and conservation sector and I know how hard zoos have been working to safeguard the welfare of their animals in the face of real financial hardship and uncertainty.
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“Allowing zoos to reopen has taken off some of the pressure, but the coronavirus pandemic has left them facing long-term financial problems.
“This funding will therefore be a lifeline for our zoos and aquariums and ensure the quality of animal care continues over the coming months.”
Zoo Experts Committee chairman Dr Simon Girling said the cash “will ensure zoos are able to generate much-needed income to fund the ongoing care of their animals and much of their valuable conservation work at this challenging time for everyone”.
Establishments covered by the Zoo Licensing Act will be able to bid for a portion of the £100m.
