Twycross Zoo calls for donations as it turns 57

Twycross Zoo is calling for donations as it turns 57 during the pandemic.

Twycross Zoo opened its gates on 26 May 1963, and hoped to celebrate its anniversary this year with visitors.

The zoo instead closed its gates in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it is now struggling with mounting costs and income that has "all but dried up."

Dr Sharon Redrobe, CEO of Twycross Zoo, said: “We’re experiencing a very uncertain time, and we’ve never been closed this long in our history.”

Extra safety measures have also since been introduced at zoos to protect health of animals and keepers, including at Twycross Zoo.

So far the zoo has been surviving on its reserves, and from donations from supporters.

However, these reserves run out in June, and so the zoo is now calling for help in the form of donations from supporters and visitors "of the past and future."

It also hopes to be able to open again soon, because its size will mean it is possible to keep staff and visitors safe.

Read more:

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