Zoos and wildlife centres across the West Country struggling to stay in business during coronavirus lockdown
The month-long lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic has left many zoos and wildlife centre across the West Country struggling to stay in business.
Porfell Wildlife Park in Cornwall and Bristol Zoo are among attractions that have launched fundraising campaigns as they struggle to meet everyday running costs.
Staff at Porfell, which is based near Lanreath, admit they are facing the very real threat of closure and the possible euthanasia of their animals.
All the animals at Porfell Wildlife Park are rescued. They are either surplus zoo animals, unwanted pets or animals that have been neglected. At the centre they are given a home for the rest of their lives.
Despite being given a £10,000 government grant to help, Sophie says the park is still struggling.
Sophie added: "That would actually only get us through about a month. The animals alone are costing us £2,500 a month and that is food, water and heating. That doesn’t cover anything else – vet bills, wages, maintenance, advertising, anything like that."
For many zoos and wildlife parks, like Porfell and Bristol Zoo, the public are their main source of income.
Bristol Zoo have furloughed 70% of their staff with only key staff, like vets and keepers, still working.
During the Easter holidays, with good weather, the zoo would expect to have between 3000 and 4000 visitors per day.
But with none this year, the zoo is struggling to cover costs.
The zoo is also concerned about animals getting the virus - in particular the gorillas.
The animals at Bristol Zoo cost around £300,000 a year to feed. The zoo has started a fundraising page which has already raised £13,000.
Porfell Wildlife Park has set up a GoFundMe page which Head Keeper Sophie says has been absolutely amazing: "Fingers crossed we get the support we need," she added.