Anglesey Sea Zoo hopes to have secured an emergency loan offer from the Development Bank of Wales but says it will remain in crisis if lockdown is not relaxed over the summer or additional support given from Welsh Government.
The popular attraction has monthly running costs of up to £20,000 and has had zero income coming in since March.
Animal welfare has been a key concern but they fear their plight has not been taken seriously enough with no zoo and aquarium fund in Wales like that in England and currently no date when they can reopen. Zoos in England can open from Monday although like in Wales aquariums must remain closed.
They have received support through the Economic Resilience Fund(ERF) and supporters have raised just over £15,000 in an appeal. The zoo also has provisional approval for a 'Bounce Back' loan from the Development Bank, after a request for £50,000.
Owner Frankie Hobro said: “You can’t furlough fish – or other animals for that matter.
“They don’t eat less depending on visitor footfall, neither do their care needs change or reduce during closure or times of low income.
“It isn’t possible to save costs and cut corners without sacrificing the quality of care our animals receive and this is not something we are willing to consider either now or in the future.
“We have immense public support and understanding - this is clear from the successful fundraising campaigns that we and other zoos have running – and these vital funds guarantee we can continue to function for now and we are immensely grateful for them.
"But these alone are not sufficient to cover ongoing costs without further government support, which is still not forthcoming.”
She is angry that Wales is not following England with a specific zoo and aquarium fund but Welsh Government says funding has been made available through the ERF.
Frankie added: “We have never reached out for government funding or support before, despite much of our work being not-for-profit and our important contribution to the local economy on Anglesey.
"However, if we are to remain closed without the ability to bring in our own income, we will undoubtedly need further government support to continue to function.”
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