BALPPA Survey Shows Support For UK Zoos During Lockdown

A new survey by the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) has revealed huge levels of public support for zoos during lockdown.

Faced with significant ongoing costs with no income from visitors, zoological collections across the country have launched appeals and fundraising initiatives to help keep them operating.

According to the latest figures BALPPA has collated from members, the public has donated well in excess of £100,000 in recent weeks.

“As an association, we are doing everything we can to help support our members during these extremely challenging times and working with them to put together recovery plans,” said BALPPA Chief Executive Paul Kelly.

“Many zoos rely almost exclusively on revenue from visitors to feed and care for their animals. With no option but to close they’re now looking to the public to help support them.

“Our members are reporting high levels of support both from their local communities as well as further afield with people getting in contact direct to see what they can do to help.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for all businesses, however for wildlife collections the added responsibility to ensure their animals remain fit and well makes it all the more urgent.

“Many zoos have launched their own fundraising sites and we would ask anyone who feels they can help out to support them,” he added.

Dudley & West Midlands Zoological Society

Dudley & West Midlands Zoological Society has set up a Just Giving page to help care for the animals during this time. To date they have raised £10,438 with over 400 supporters. 

Just Giving Page link – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/DZCanimalcarefund

Hamerton Zoo

Hamerton Zoo needs an average of £4,000 every day to look after its animals and has a target to raise £50,000.

CrowdFunding Page – https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hamerton-zoo-animals

Birdworld

Birdworld has not only smashed its initial fundraising goal of £10,000, but has since raised in excess of £20,000, with 295 donors supporting the charity via the GoFundMe page.

The park is completely humbled by the generosity of its supporters who are helping to cover food, housing and medical care of the birds. Sue and Pete Davis, who have been tirelessly promoting the appeal have contributed a personal donation of £10,000. 

GoFundMe page – https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-birdworld-during-covid19-closure

Paignton Zoo

An incredible £65,968 has been raised for Paignton Zoo so far with over 2,500 supporters donating to help care for the animals whilst the gates are closed.

Commenting on the generosity of its supporters, the Zoo said: ‘When this is all over and we open again, you’ll be able to walk around our zoos and know that you helped the animals through those tough times.’

Donation link: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?charityCampaignUrl=helpourzoo

Colchester Zoo 

Colchester Zoo has also set up a Zoo Operating Fund where visitors can donate to help support the zoo with their mission to protect and care for wildlife and their habitats. Many of their visitors have been doing various fundraisers for the zoo as well.

The usual daily running cost for the zoo is £25,479 plus veterinary care bills and unexpected expenses. People can make donations via the website: https://www.colchester-zoo.com/our-mission/support-us/colchester-zoo-operating-fund/

BALPPA

Founded in 1936, BALPPA is the non-profit-making Trade Association representing the interests of owners, managers, suppliers and developers in the UK’s commercial leisure parks, piers, zoos, family entertainment centres (indoor play and soft play centres) and static visitor attractions sector.

For more information on BALPPA visit www.balppa.org .