There has been positive media coverage of the £14 million Zoo Support Fund announced yesterday (Monday 4 May) in The Sun, Daily Mail, the Independent and the Express and Star.
This funding will help zoos cover costs relating to animal keeping such as feed, heating and security.
Animal welfare remains a top priority for this government and Defra will continue to work with some of the largest zoos to discuss additional concerns about funding in the longer term.
Lord Goldsmith, Animal Welfare Minister, said:
Even in these very difficult times, the government remains absolutely committed to high standards of animal welfare. We know that many of our zoos are facing real pressure as a consequence of coronavirus, and we have made support available to them, including business rates relief and the business interruption loan scheme.
This new Zoo Support Fund is designed to help those that need additional support to maintain the welfare of their animals. We are continuing to engage with some of the largest zoos to respond to their additional specific concerns.
There are a number of support schemes already available to zoos, 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.