LONDON (UK) – This is the first time that the world’s oldest zoo is shut to the public since World War Two. The coronavirus pandemic has forced the shutdown of the London Zoo.
However, unaware of these circumstances and still needing care are the approximately 18,000 animals living in the zoo.
Opened to scientists in 1828 and to the public in 1847, the London Zoo is an iconic attraction in the city.
It is not just a case of locking the doors to the London zoo after the government-mandated lockdown, unlike a museum or an art gallery.
The zoo is home to wild animals like lions, gorillas, zebras and giraffes and captive animals, no matter their size, are needy.
Without ticket-sales revenue, maintaining the zoo is a costly business.
The request for donations is not unexplainable- a few zookeepers, vets, security members, who are not listed at key workers, have to break their self-isolation impositions to make their way to Regents Park to look after the animals.
“Ordinarily, we are entirely reliant on public support, so without people coming through the gates the income isn’t coming in. We are really having to find other ways for people to show their support for us and donate instead. What is important is that we have been planning for this, so that we can make sure our staff can keep coming in and putting the health and welfare of our animals first. Our animals eat a lot and we have to make sure our supply chains continue, with top-quality food. Whether that’s fruit and veg from Covent Garden, or meat, we need a continuous supply.”
– Kathryn England, ZSL’s CEO
50 daily staff of the zoo have opted to live in the Lion Lodges usually for overnight guests experiencing a “zoo sleepover”.
“They are not classified as key workers but they are absolutely essential to us. They are a team of astonishingly dedicated staff. Some are staying on site to make sure the animals get the care they need. We need to make sure we have all the staff in. The zookeepers are not only feeding them, mucking them out but also providing the enrichment that they need as well because this is very different environment that they’re in with no visitors. The big cats don’t seem to be bothered at all, like Bhanu our big lion. He’s just lounging around in the sun. But the pigmy goats and penguins are a bit confused.”
– Kathryn England, ZSL’s CEO
Zookeepers are wearing masks and gloves to safeguard animals’ health.
The shutdown will not endanger any of the animals, but the loss of revenue is one of the biggest challenges the zoo has faced, according to England.
“The (public’s) response has been overwhelming so far, but we are a charity and in a good year we would have 1 million people coming through the gates. We are really missing the crowds and we really want people to support us through our website http://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo.”
– Kathryn England, ZSL’s CEO
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.
