Dublin Zoo has warned that it may have to close permanently because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The facility, which opened in 1830, is closed to the public because of coronavirus restrictions, but must still meet the cost of feeding and upkeep of the animals, which runs to about €500,000 a month.
The zoo has today announced the launch of the 'Save Dublin Zoo' fundraising campaign, appealing to the Irish public for help.
Dublin Zoo is a not-for-profit organisation, which does not receive statutory funding. It says revenue streams, in the form of gate receipts and onsite sales, have all but evaporated because of Covid-19 and to date the zoo has lost €8.2m in potential revenue.