Dr Luke Evans, the Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has said that he is ‘delighted’ at the news that Twycross Zoo is to reopen it’s doors to the general public next week (15 June).
The zoo, located in his constituency, had closed to the public at the start of lockdown but had faced devastating financial pressures after revealing closure was costing the charity more than half a million pounds each month.
Dr Luke said “I’ve been working with and campaigning for Twycross Zoo since prior to lockdown having asked questions in PMQs; written to DEFRA, DCMS, the Treasury and Prime Minister; and having had meetings with several ministers.
“Closing the gates was necessary but nevertheless devastating to the zoo’s business model, which in turn jeopardised their conservation programmes and the animals they look after. I’m delighted that they can now open their gates next week.
“Reopening means that Twycross Zoo will be able to access their most important source of income once more, but they are not out of the woods yet. Visitor numbers will have to be kept relatively low and financial support from the Government will be needed.
“Dr Sharon Redrobe and her team at Twycross have done have remarkable job in raising awareness of the challenges that all good zoos face.
“I will continue to work with Sharon and lobby ministers to seek reassurances that Twycross Zoo will receive help through the next tough period of lifting lockdown.”
If you would like to donate to Twycross Zoo or become a member then you can do so by visiting https://twycrosszoo.org/
Dr Luke on a visit to Twycross Zoo prior to lockdown