LONDON Zoo says it will go bust if the Government does not reverse its “illogical” decision to stop it reopening to the public. 

The charity running the Regent’s Park zoo says the “prolonged and unjust” lockdown ban threatens its “permanent closure”.

The Zoological Society of London said it was heading towards a “financial crisis” as car showrooms, furniture stores and off-licenses “open to hordes of people”. 

ZSL said it has put detailed plans on how it will reopen with limited capacity, one-way routes and new signage, adding it “cannot understand the government’s decision” not to approve its plan.

ZSL Director General Dominic Jermey said: “ZSL is a global conservation force to be reckoned with – and ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoo are essential parts of what makes ZSL a national institution.

Unlike shops, museums and pubs, we couldn’t just shut the gates, press pause, and wait for the green light to return. 

“Our zookeepers, veterinary teams and facilities teams have continued to come to work every day to ensure our precious animals remain healthy and cared for – and that costs money.

“We’ve been vocal with our need for support since our doors were closed – launching a fundraising campaign and appealing to government, banks and individuals for help. 

“Through our zoos we care for and preserve thousands of threatened species – some of which are extinct-in-the-wild and many of which only survive because of zoos, we educate millions of people about biodiversity, and inspire them to take action, and we fund our international science and conservation projects around the world.”

He urged Zoo fans to write to MPs ahead of an adjournment debate today in the House of Commons about crisis facing  zoos, parks and aquariums on Thursday.

ZSL says its income goes toward research, conservation projects and there are costs of more than £1million a month for animal care at London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo.

A Defra statement said: “We understand the challenges faced by zoos and aquariums during these unprecedented times but it’s vital that we do not move too quickly in reopening to ensure public health is protected.

“We have provided a £14 million support fund to ensure zoos are able to continue to care for their animals. Alongside this, work is ongoing to understand how and when zoos and aquariums may be able to reopen in a safe way to the public whilst maintaining social distancing.”

ZSL said supporters can send a letter to their MP through the website campaign.zsl.org/savezslzoos 

This week tributes were paid to one of Zoo’s longest-serving volunteers, after his death of Covid-19 aged 91. George Fitt, from east London, had volunteered at the Zoo since he was aged 18 and continued well into his eighties. 

His name will be added to a bench dedicated to the wife and installed in the Zoo’s Casson building several years ago.