Cheshire MPs say they have made a breakthrough in the campaign to save Chester Zoo.
Today, the MPs including Kieran Mullan of Crewe and Nantwich, and Edward Timpson of Eddisbury, say they have “secured a commitment” from Zoos Minister Zac Goldsmith.
He told them that the Government “will support Chester Zoo” after they emphasised the strength of feeling across the region for the venue.
Other Cheshire MPs involved in the virtual meeting were Andy Carter and Esther McVey.
Chester Zoo issued a statement earlier in the week indicating the attraction was now under serious threat after they were ordered to remain closed indefinitely due to the pandemic.
They are facing debts of around £24 million by the end of the year, and fear they will be “financially crippled”.
Dr Mullan MP said today (June 7): “This morning I wanted to make sure Zac knew the strength of feeling among my constituents and across Cheshire and the pride people have in Chester Zoo and how important it is we make sure the government gets behind them.
“This morning we have been able to secure a commitment from Zac that the government will do whatever it takes to support Chester Zoo through the pandemic.
“We can be confident about the future of this fantastic place that so many of us have great memories of visiting.
“I hope the work Chester Zoo has done to enable it to open is recognised and a plan for reopening agreed as soon as possible.
“But whatever happens, the zoo will need financial support and Zac was clear this will be provided.
“But I also want to thank supporters of the zoo for the enormous generosity they have shown in response to the Zoos appeal for funds.”
In its earlier statement, Chester Zoo said: “As the UK’s biggest and most popular charity zoo, we’ve tried to stay positive during this pandemic.
“Our conservationists have continued to prevent extinction, our virtual days have cheered up the nation, and our learning resources have helped thousands of home-schooling families.
“We wanted to remain a beacon of hope. We really tried.
“But now, as the government has ordered that we may have to stay closed indefinitely, it hurts us to say that this crisis has left us fighting for our future.
“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 our much-loved zoo.
“We’re heading towards debt in excess of £24m by the end of 2020 – this will financially cripple us. We need to raise £1.6m each month to keep going.
“Meanwhile, we’re having to sit back and watch as people are piling onto beaches and into public parks, where there is no way of controlling numbers, no way of guaranteeing people are socially distanced and no way of ensuring safety. We can do all of this.
“We look on as, from this week, private gardens open up, while our own 128 acres of gardens and 16km of pathways remain closed, and under enormous financial pressure.
“We REFUSE to cut corners when it comes to caring for the animals. We REFUSE to give up on our fight to prevent extinction.
“And because of that, we’ve now reached the point where we desperately NEED YOUR HELP.
“We need you to SAVE OUR ZOO.”
To donate go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/ChesterZooFuture
For anything else go to www.chesterzoo.org/saveourzoo
Given politicians uncanny ability to spin and use none committed words I suggest the pressure to provided tangible support is continued until Chester Zoo (and other Zoos) directly confirm they are happy with support provided, cynicism I know but …Johnjohn