There has been positive coverage in iNews and Sky News Online of the support available for zoos during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes a commitment from the government to make an emergency fund available to zoos to help them meet their expenses whilst they are unable to open to the public.
The social distancing guidance, urging people to stay at home and save lives, has meant that many businesses have had to close temporarily for the safety of their staff and customers.
Further detail on the Zoo Support Fund and the application process will follow in due course.
The First Secretary of State announced a new Zoos Support Fund, which will be launched and opened soon, at Prime Ministers Questions yesterday (22 April). He said:
We’ve got to look after zoos and all of the incredible animals they put on display for all of us. I’m very pleased to be able to announce that as a result of our engagement and our consultation we can announce a new Zoos Support Fund which will be launched and opened soon.
It will be able to provide dedicated support alongside that already made available by the Treasury to help zoos care for their animals during this crisis. I urge zoos concerned to look at the range of financial support already available but also to make contact with Defra officials so we can see how it can be best tailored for them.
Zoos are eligible to apply for a range of support schemes including business rates relief, the business interruption loan scheme, and the job retention scheme. This is additional to other available relief such as VAT deferral.
8 comments
Comment by vicky posted on
You just need to travel to see how much of the natural habitat isn't there anymore, Zoos aren't perfect but its better than the extinction many animals face in the wild
Comment by Amanda Warrington posted on
Roger I completely disagree, zoos play a vital part in conservation and protection for endangered species.
Comment by ROGER STEVENSF posted on
Amanda I think you should not be mislead by the business sector about the conservation work done by zoos. There have only been three species that have been saved from extinction in the recent history. I suggest that you
read an article by Damien Aspinall published in The Independent under the heading 'Zoos are outdated and cruel'. I am convinced it is a conspiracy to allow zoos to continue to exploit animals to support the economy. They could be phased out gradually over 20 years to ensure the rehabitulation process is carried out causing the minimum of stress. I am sure that being free would be worth any stress caused. Thank you for your comment and please keep in touch.
Comment by Nat h posted on
PUTTING capital letters implies shouting, you do not have to agree with zoo in concept, but in the real world we need to look after conervservation. Judging by your comments you understand the concept ??
Comment by Roger Stevens posted on
Nat h you refer to the real world. One that is unsustainable under the present conditions and the 300 zoos in the UK are a part of that. That is the real world and wild animals did not choose to part of it. The first line of the Secretary of State statement says it all : "incredible animals put on display for all of us". Exactly. Thank you for your comment. Stay in touch.
Comment by Caroline Pontefract posted on
Can individuals support too, as I would like to. Or if the UK zoos do not need support how can Defra and British public support the zoos where there is no Defra and Government support. Thank you, Caroline
Comment by Roger Stevens posted on
Re previous comment today 23/4 am
Comment by Roger STevens posted on
I CONSIDER ZOOS TO BE HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL AND DO NOT
SUPPORT THEM. IT IS ASTONISHING TO ME THAT A COUNTRY OF SO CALLED ANIMAL LOVERS FAILS TO BE DISTRESSED BY THE SIGHT OF
WILD ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY. MANY OF THEM COULD BE REHABITUATED AND RETURNED TO THE WILD WHERE THEY BELONG
THEREBY REDUCES THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO FEED AND CARE FOR
THEM. ZOOS ALREADY RECEIVE ENOUGH HELP FROM TAXPAYERS
MONEY. THERE IS NO PLACE FOR THEM IN THIS MORE RESPECTFUL
TIME. THEY SHOULD BE SUBJECTED TO AN ENERGY COST BENEFIT
ANALYSIS.