Dublin zoo facing closure

As Dublin Zoo faces the prospect of permanent closure, it has appealed to the Irish public for help, as financial losses caused by ongoing Covid-19 restrictions continue to mount.

The ‘Save Dublin Zoo’ fundraising campaign has been launched to raise vital funds to help cover the cost of animal care, which alone totals €500,000 each month, as emergency cash reserves begin to run out.

Without financial support, Dublin Zoo is concerned it may have to make the difficult decision to close its gates to the public. Donations can be made today at www.DublinZoo.ie

Although the zoo is currently closed to the public because of Covid-19 restrictions, the dedicated animal care team is still providing care to over 400 animals who are the top priority.

“We are in serious financial difficulty because of Covid-19 and are launching the Save Dublin Zoo campaign to raise much needed funds to help care for the animals here at the Zoo. We understand this is a challenging time for everyone, so we are asking people to only give what they can – every donation counts no matter the size,” says Dr Christoph Schwitzer Director of Dublin Zoo.

“We have relied on our emergency cash reserves to remain open when allowed, but even then, visitor number restrictions due to social distancing have made it near impossible to generate enough revenue to just break even. Without financial support, we are facing an uncertain future and may have to close.”

It costs €500,000 per month to feed, house and provide the highest level of care for the animals, but without regular income from visitor gate receipts since March, Dublin Zoo is struggling to cover its substantial running costs.

Dr Schwitzer said that at this time of year, they are usually in the middle of Wild Lights and making preparations for the busy Christmas period, but instead they find themselves fighting for the future of the zoo.

“We are so grateful for the messages of support from our devoted visitors and annual pass holders who have shown an outpouring of love and compassion from the start. We are now asking those who are able to help us, to give what they can and help raise awareness for the Save Dublin Zoo campaign”.