Finally!
Zoos in England will now re-open on June 15, the government has confirmed. Following the launch of a fundraising campaign that gained huge momentum in just a few short days, Chester Zoo has been given the green light to re-open their gates, after initially being told they’d be required to remain closed ‘indefinitely’. The bad news came as quite a shock to zoo representatives, condemning the government’s decision to allow non-essential stores and other outdoor spaces to re-open and not them, despite thorough COVID-safe measures being implemented across the site.
Confirming the new development just last night, Chester Zoo announced to their social media followers: “YOU DID IT! A week ago we were in despair, not knowing when we would reopen, or if we could even survive much longer… BUT YOUR VOICES HAVE BEEN HEARD!
“We have JUST received the news that we’ll be able to open safely from 15 June. Your support has been incredible. Every kind donation, every word of support. It really is making a HUGE difference. The fight isn’t over for us just yet. But, for now, we want to celebrate this huge moment of relief with you.
“There’s no denying that we have suffered severe financial damage over the past three months and the road to recovery will be long and uncertain. But, your incredibly kind donations, animal adoptions and memberships are giving us a vital lifeline. Over the next few days we’ll be letting you know when and how you’ll be able to book a ticket to visit. Please bear with us while we do this.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. You are SAVING OUR ZOO ❤️”
https://www.facebook.com/chesterzoo1/photos/a.114703955911/10158441958450912/?type=3&theater
The zoo, which is the most-visited in the UK, recently raised over £2 million in donations from the public, including a huge donation from Iceland, who adopted their entire fleet of Humboldt penguins. The zoo is home to over 35,000 threatened and endangered species, and currently funds 80 conservation projects which work to prevent the extinction of these animals. Requiring £1.6m each month to operate, Chester Zoo may now have a chance of survival thanks to the government’s green light to open.