‘Much-loved’ Hampshire zoo facing financial challenge due to lockdown

Marwell Zoo is asking for donations from the public as lockdown has left them in a challenging situation.

The zoo has set up a JustGiving page which has raised over £70,000, and people can also support the zoo by buying items on their Amazon wish list.

The zoo lost its income from visitors when England went into lockdown, but the costs of looking after their animals have remained high.

Marwell Wildlife Cheif Executive James Cretney said: “The charity relies solely on income from the zoo and the fundrasing efforts of our loyal supporters. Each day the zoo is closed to guests our need for support grows.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generousity and unwavering suport from our community during these unsetteling times, for which we are entirely grateful.

“We are confident we can emerge from this crisis in a stong position so that we can secur the joy of visisting our mush-loved charity zoo for generations to come, making a difference to conservation projects in the UK and across the world.”

Marwell Zoo is home to more than 140 species, many of which are endangered in the wild.

After the first lockdown the zoo stayed open for four months.

People have expressed their sadness over the zoo closing during lockdown and have asked how they can help out on the zoo’s social media.