Coronavirus: London Zoological Society issues funding appeal to help with zoo closure during outbreak

London zoo was forced to close its doors over the weekend due to the coronavirus outbreak

(Getty Images)

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), which runs the London and Whipsnade zoos, has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the costs of a shutdown during the coronavirus pandemic.

The charity closed its doors to the public over the weekend for the first time since WWII.

It has offered up its car parking spaces to NHS key workers and sent packages of food from its Terrance Restaurant to nearby hospitals.

Some of ZSL’s zookeepers will remain on-site to look after its 18,000 animals, with some taking up residence in the Lion Lodge guest accommodation.

Pictures released by the organisation show the team observing social distancing while cleaning Penguin Beach, preparing food for giraffes, and caring for meerkats.

Launching the appeal, ZSL chief operating officer, Kathryn England, said: “Last week, along with the rest of the country, we watched as this unprecedented situation unfolded around us and began making detailed plans in anticipation of having to do the previously unthinkable – close ZSL London Zoo to the public.

“A core team of zookeepers, vets, security and grounds staff have stayed on-site and are making each day as normal as possible for our much-loved residents, many of which are endangered species and part of important global breeding programmes.”

Nestled in the heart of Regent’s Park, the zoo opened to scientists in 1828 and to the public in 1847.

(ZSL (ZSL)

(ZSL (ZSL)

Pre-dating the invention of the telephone, it’s had six reigning monarchs as its Royal Patron, and survived two world wars – closing only briefly during WWII.

It re-opened after the war upon instruction from the government to boost the morale and wellbeing of Londoners.

If you wish to find out more or would like to donate you can do so by visiting the following link: zsl.org/support-our-zoos