Dublin Zoo has been saved in its final few hours as €1.6million has been secured for the animals by the Government.
The huge rescue lump sum was secured by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan late on Friday night.
The funds come after a week when Dublin Zoo chiefs revealed that they were close to shutting up shop which launched a heartfelt public campaign 'Save Dublin Zoo'.
The Government allocation will be shared with Fota Wildlife Park in Cork who are also experiencing difficulties in the current pandemic.
The funding will support the operation of 71 zoos and numerous aquariums across Ireland with many reporting financial difficulty this year ahead of Christmas.
Minister Noonan said: "Earlier in the week I was glad to confirm that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage was working on options which would offer short term financial support to help the zoo sector.
"The State does not ordinarily provide funding to the zoo sector but this has been an incredibly challenging year due to the pandemic.
"The outpouring of public support sparked by the Dublin Zoo appeal is testament to the great love so many people have for our zoos.
"I am mindful too of the staff, whose primary concern has always been the animals in their care. I do hope that Government can continue to support our zoos and Aquariums until they can open their doors again and thrive."
Minister O’Brien added: "I joined the thousands of people all over Ireland in ‘adopting’ and animal from Dublin Zoo this week.
"I think the campaign, which had a global reach and was featured in the New York Times, shows just how loved our zoos are and how they are an important place for making memories. I am delighted that our Department was in a position to help.
"COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on so many aspects of our society but it is important that we support this sector to ensure zoos do not face a welfare crisis this winter due to lack of access to funding.
"This will also safeguard employment and stimulate local economies in recovering by ensuring the continued operation of viable zoo establishments throughout the country."
