Bosses at Chester Zoo say they now have hope that they will survive as they make plans to reopen on Monday.
A week ago the zoo said it was 'in despair, not knowing when we would reopen'.
But we revealed last night how the Prime Minister is set to announce today - on what is Chester Zoo's 89th birthday - that safari parks and zoos can reopen from next week.
The move follows a cry for help from the zoo, which last week put out a plea to the public to support its fundraising campaign saying it was fighting for its future amid spiralling debts brought on by the enforced closure.
The attraction had already outlined its plans for reopening before being told it had to stay closed indefinitely.
But the Prime Minister's announcement, expected later today, has now given fresh hope.
Jamie Christon, chief operating officer at Chester Zoo, said: “A week ago we were in despair, not knowing when we would reopen, or if we could even survive if our gates had to remain closed for much longer.
“But the unwavering support of the public, our members, those MPs who listened to us and backed our corner, and our global community has completely humbled us.
"It’s wonderful that, together, we have been heard. We’ll be forever grateful to those who lent us their voice in our moment of need.
"To them we say thank you, from the very bottom of our hearts. We are also incredibly thankful to the government for taking this step, for us, and for conservation of threatened species."
He did however warn that it won't be a smooth path ahead for the zoo.
“This isn’t over just yet though," said Mr Christon. "There’s no denying that the zoo has suffered severe financial damage over the past three months and the road to recovery will be long and uncertain.
“However, we now start the process of rebuilding this great charity zoo, as we prepare to safely welcome back visitors through our gates – albeit in much, much fewer numbers – from Monday 15 June. We are in no doubt that this is why now, today, on the 89 birthday of Chester Zoo, we have hope that we will survive.”
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