The Welsh Mountain Zoo is battling for its future after closing its doors due to coronavirus while most running costs continue as normal.
Most of the income generated by the National Zoo of Wales in Colwyn Bay is through visitors and the site has been closed for a month.
While it has reduced some costs the operation of the Zoo is still costing in excess of £118,000 each month - with things like animal feed and shelter, veterinary and keeper care continuing.
Now they have launched an appeal for support to ensure they can make it through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nick Jackson CEO of the Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: “We have been operating for some 57 years and have never closed our gates for a prolonged period.
“However, we made the incredibly hard decision to close our gates on Sunday 22 March to ensure the safety of visitors, staff and the wider community in this current COVID-19 crisis.
“The majority of our revenue is generated via visitors and with that gone altogether, the financial impact of the closure has been instantaneous. Added to that is the uncertainty of knowing when this situation will change.
“The Zoo is home to over 140 species, and aside from providing a home and care, we carry out an incredibly important role in terms of conservation locally and on a global scale.
As an example, one of the first activities we will have to stop as we cut back our running costs will be our really important seal rescue work. And so for many reasons, it’s vital that we continue to operate.
“We have had lots of people getting in touch to ask how they can help already which has been fantastic and felt that the launch of an official appeal would help point people in the right direction. Any support that can be given is very much welcome, as together we navigate our way through these difficult times.”
Go to https://www.welshmountainzoo.org to donate.
