The government has pledged to provide money to Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park to support them through the covid-19 pandemic.
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said a bailout from the government will be provided to help the two parks survive Covid enforced closures.
Dublin Zoo will get the help it needs. A brilliant facility that is loved by young and old - we can all look forward to being back there when this is over. 🦁🐯🐻
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 18, 2020
It comes after a campaign was launched this morning to 'Save Dublin Zoo'.
Officials at the zoo said without financial supports, there are concerns it may have to close its gates to the public permanently.
Generous donations have been coming in throughout the day:
❤ Save Dublin Zoo ❤
Wow, we are truly lost for words and can’t believe it! We have just hit over €500,000 in donations – thank you so much!
That is enough to cover the costs of animal care at Dublin Zoo for one whole month! #SaveDublinZoo pic.twitter.com/8oa7ImY7B0
— Dublin Zoo (@DublinZoo) November 18, 2020
The animals' care at the zoo in Dublin's Phoenix Park costs €500,000 a month - and now they need to raise money from the public as emergency cash reserves are beginning to run out.
It costs €50 a day to feed a lion, while an elephant's daily diet sets the zoo back by €75.
Dublin Zoo is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions - however over 400 animals are still being cared for on a daily basis.
To date in 2020, it estimates it has lost out on over €8 million in potential revenue from gate receipts.
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD has confirmed that the Department of Heritage is considering options which will offer short term financial support to help Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park during their current financial difficulties.
He said "I am confident that our Department will be able to offer short term financial support to help tide the two main zoos past this immediate challenge."
