Warning animals could face ‘mass euthanasia’ if zoos in UK collapse

Zoos and aquariums face “calamity” unless the government moves fast to help them, a senior Tory MP has warned.

Andrew Rosindell says he has written to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Environment Secretary George Eustice alerting them to the fact animals face mass euthanasia unless a rescue package can save them.

Mr Rosindell, who chairs the all-party parliamentary group for zoos and aquariums, said: “I am urging the government to take action immediately. This has been a dreadful turn of events for zoos and aquariums.

He said despite losing most of their income overnight, all must retain key staff in order to keep their animal collections alive.

Coronavirus and the lockdown measures mean this year will be a disaster for the majority of the UK’s 320 zoos. Most relied upon ticket sales to the public to survive.

Without income, zoos are exhausting their cash reserves and have launched charity appeals for help while warning that unless help arrives soon they will be forced to close within weeks.

Unlike many businesses, zoo owners could not close the doors and walk away until lockdown is lifted because their animals require feeding, watering and other welfare needs taken care of.

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