Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park face financial crisis due to coronavirus lockdown

Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie have said they need to reopen as soon as possible to avoid serious financial problems.  On the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) website the wildlife conservation charity has appealed for donations. They have confirmed that they have had to to borrow £5m due to the measures taken during the coronavirus pandemic. The organisation points out the valuable work in science, education and conservation that they undertake. There are already concerns about the impact of the pandemic on the charity's conservation work both in Scotland and internationally.

Nearly all of their income comes from visitors. Some 65% of this being from April to August.  Even while shut to visitors basic monthly running costs are almost £700,000 per month to keep the facilities going. They have made it clear that being closed over the summer would be "financially disastrous". They are in talks with the Scottish government in order to be allowed to reopen safely. This depends if Scotland moves into the next phase of lockdown when outdoor attractions can open again. They make the point that with coronavirus restrictions they will be safer than a crowded beach or public park.

Image above: Hamish the polar bear at the Highland Wildlife Park courtesy of RZSS.