Chester Zoo ‘faces financial ruin and closure’ if the government fails to deliver funding

Chester Zoo and other UK attractions potentially face closure due to lack of financial support from the government despite earlier promises, according to an MP. 

Justin Madders, Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, has slammed the government for ‘talking a good game but failing on delivery’. 

The UK government promised £100m to the country’s zoos and aquariums to help them recover from months of financial loss during the coronavirus lockdown. 

Three months later and the attractions have yet to receive any of the money, according to the Liverpool Echo. 

Mr Madders explains that Chester Zoo will face ‘financial ruin’ unless the support and funds are provided.

Madders explained: “Sadly this is yet another example of the government talking a good game but failing on delivery.

“I understand that the restrictive criteria applied to the fund mean that it will be virtually impossible for most zoos to qualify for support.

“It is typical of this two-faced, insincere Government to claim they are offering help to everyone when in reality they are not, just like the three million people who have been excluded from any financial support at all.

“I am concerned that zoos like my own Chester Zoo will face financial ruin unless the Government wake up to the reality that their support fund is an illusion.

“Unfortunately, I fear they already know this and are content to pretend to be helping when they have no intention of doing so at all.”

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) said it is ‘virtually impossible’ for zoos to qualify for support under the current parameters.

BIAZA added that most zoos will not benefit from the funding. Dr Cerian Tatchley, BIAZA’s acting joint director, said: “Without urgent changes, the Government is putting at risk some of the UK’s best-loved zoos and aquariums.

“Our zoos, aquariums and safari parks are reliant on admissions to keep going, and so the lockdown earlier this year has wreaked financial devastation that will be felt for years to come.

“While the sector is grateful that the government has demonstrated its support through providing £100 million to save zoos, it is frustrating that not one zoo has yet benefited from the new Zoo Animals Fund.

Dr Tatchley continued: “BIAZA has been clear in our regular meetings with Defra and the minister that restrictions on the fund means very few zoos will be eligible to receive any support and this is being borne out.

“While we expect that more zoos will apply for the fund over the next few months, many of England’s best zoos and aquariums will still not receive any support from this fund.”

Jamie Christon, chief operating officer at Chester Zoo, said: “The Government has said it is continuing to talk to large zoos like us to explore ways of supporting us and our vital efforts to prevent extinction. But still there is nothing on the table.

“After significant time spent in lengthy and what have been seemingly very positive discussions with Government representatives for several months, this is extremely disappointing for us.”

A Government spokesperson said: “We understand the challenges zoos have been facing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“That is why we put in place this specialist fund specifically to ensure zoos facing severe financial difficulties can provide the best possible care for their animals.

“We are rapidly processing current applications and we stand ready to support any future requests to the fund.”

Applications for the funding are open until November 16th.