MINISTER OFFERS ASSURANCE THAT PLIGHT OF ZOOS HAS NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN

                                                                           

Jungle Zoo - home to a range of mammals, birds, amphibian, reptiles and insects

THE PLIGHT of Britain's zoos has not been forgotten during lockdown and  tier system restrictions

Jungle Zoo in Cleethorpes, currently closed until next year, is one of scores nationwide that have faced a financial squeeze because of ongoing feed, heating and other costs coupled with an absence of income.

When the fate of zoos was raised in the Commons this week by Conservative MPs Mark Jenkinson (Workington) and Sir David Amess (Southend West), DEFRA minister  Victoria Prentis replied: "We listened to concerns following the roll-out of an  initial support scheme and we have made changes to reflect that. 

"The zoos animal fund, which is simpler to apply for, is now open to zoos that have up to 12 weeks of reserves left.

"It can be applied for in advance of that and can include applications for essential planned maintenance."

Earlier in the debate, Sir David had complained that zoos "seemed to have to be on the verge of closure before they could get any money".