More than £1 million has been raised for Chester Zoo after it revealed it was fighting for its future due to an indefinite closure.
Bosses launched the Save Our Zoo campaign on Wednesday and revealed the attraction was “at risk of extinction” and could end the year £24 million in debt as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Social distancing measures have been put in place at the 128-acre site but the Government has yet to give zoos the green light to reopen.
By Thursday, a JustGiving page set up by the zoo had raised more than £1 million.
Jamie Christon, the zoo’s chief operating officer said: “Not being able to open, despite being a huge outdoor site with all the necessary safety measures in place, is having a devastating impact on the future survival of this much-loved charity zoo.
“We’re heading towards debt in excess of £24 million by the end of 2020 – this will financially cripple us.
“We absolutely refuse to cut corners when it comes to caring for the animals. But ensuring that each and every one of the 35,000 animals at the zoo is receiving the best possible care, every single day, comes at a huge financial cost.”
Edward Timpson, Conservative MP for the Cheshire constituency of Eddisbury, said he had written to George Eustice, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to ask for the zoo to be able to reopen as soon as possible.
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