The Wild Planet Trust, which runs Paignton Zoo in Devon and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, has announced a number of redundancies due to lower attendance.
The trust said it has faced a series of crippling challenges over the past few years, ITV reports. A financial rescue package has been put together.
Lower visitor numbers at both zoos can be attributed to Covid-19, avian influenza, and the cost-of-living crisis, the trust said. The organisation has been forced to cut costs, which “inevitably means redundancies”.
Stephen Kings, the trust’s interim executive chairman, said in a statement: “Unfortunately, the combination of Covid-19, avian influenza, and the cost-of-living crisis has resulted in fewer visitors to our zoos over the past few years.
“It is often forgotten that we are a charity purely funded by our supporters, members and visitors.
“Therefore this has forced the trust to cut costs, which inevitably means redundancies.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. We consider ourselves a family at the zoo, but we have no option but to review our staff and operating costs.”
Trustees said there was no immediate threat to the operation of either Paignton Zoo or Newquay Zoo.
Zoos reviewing staff and costs
Kings added: “The health and welfare of our animals is our number one priority.
“We are working specifically to raise capital funding to refurbish the large mammal house, rehouse the baboons, reopen the currently closed Croc Swamp at Paignton, to extend old buildings to provide better accommodation for animals, develop the penguin pool, and remove the overgrown maze at Newquay.
“We have many other improvement plans in place for future developments so therefore need the support of everyone who loves our zoos.”
The trust has been discussing potential partnerships with local councils and tourism leaders.
Images courtesy of the Wild Planet Trust
