Chester Zoo is one of the many businesses across the UK suffering from the effects of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The UK’s biggest zoo says the recent months have cost around £5million, and left the business "very much fighting for its future".
Bosses have also said that they have been told by government representatives to prepare for their gates to remain closed ‘indefinitely’.
They posted an impassioned plea on social media for donations from their regular visitors.
“As the UK’s biggest charity zoo, we’ve tried to stay positive during this pandemic," they tweeted.
“Our conservationists have continued to prevent extinction, our virtual days have cheered up the nation and our learning resources have helped home-schooling families.
“We REFUSE to cut corners when it comes to caring for the animals
“We REFUSE to give up on our fight to prevent extinction
“And because of that, we’ve now reached the point where we desperately NEED YOUR HELP
“We need you to SAVE OUR ZOO…”
Followers have been rushing to share the social media posts.
The zoo closed due to lockdown on March 21, and has been working to reduce costs since, including using the government's furlough scheme.
The government's latest lockdown easing measures do not include zoos and aquariums, which must remain closed for the time being.
Jamie Christon, the zoo’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), said: “As the UK’s biggest and most popular charity zoo, we’ve tried to stay positive during this pandemic.
"Our conservationists have continued to prevent extinction, our virtual days have cheered up the nation, and our learning resources have helped out thousands of home schooling families. We wanted to remain a beacon of hope.
“But now, the government has ordered us to stay closed indefinitely and Chester Zoo is very much fighting for its future. This change in law has flicked a switch for us and, heartbreakingly, our lights are now flickering.
"Not being able to open, despite being a huge outdoor site with all the necessary safety measures in place, is having a devastating impact of the future survival of this much-loved charity zoo. We’re heading towards debt in excess of £24m by the end of 2020 – this will financially cripple us.
The zoo is asking for donations, or for people to sponsor animals, via its website.
