One of the UK's largest zoos is "at risk of extinction" after losing millions of pounds as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Chester Zoo bosses say they are fighting for its future as the conservation charity could end 2020 more than £24 million in debt.
Managers say the Cheshire site is "Covid secure" and they would be able to limit numbers and enforce social distancing in a way public beaches, parks and beauty spots cannot, but the Government has not given zoos the green light to reopen.
Jamie Christon, the zoo's chief operating officer said: "As the UK's biggest and most popular charity zoo, we've tried to stay positive during this pandemic. "Our conservationists have continued to prevent extinction, our virtual days have cheered