A top Edinburgh Zoo boss has warned that the park will need to reoepen in June, or else faces an uncertain future.
The Edinburgh Evening News reported David Field, chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), said they are ready to reopen by the end of June if further restrictions are relaxed.
The charity, which operates the capital zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig, have been closed since March following the coronavirus outbreak - which official government figures reveal has now killed 2,395 people in Scotland.
Like zoos around the world, the deserted attraction has had to appeal for public donations to feed its 1,000 animals during the coronavirus lockdown - which alone cost tens of thousands of pounds every month.
According to the paper, Mr Field fears it could be "financially disastrous" if Edinburgh Zoo is forced to remain shut to visitors over peak summer months amid delays to lifting further restrictions.
He revealed that the wildlife conservation charity, who have already been forced to borrow £5 million amid the crisis, are in discussions with the Scottish Government on the possibility of opening in the coming weeks.
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
It costs Edinburgh Zoo £97 a day to feed its Gentoo penguins, while the monthly food bill for the polar bears at the Highland Wildlife park is £1000, while a donation of £50 would feed an Amur tiger for a week and £15 would treat Giant Pandas Yang Guang and Tian Tian to some honey.
You can donate here.
