Many shops, small businesses, and other facilities had to be closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Even zoos were closed everywhere around the world. A zoo in Devon recently announced that they may have to euthanize animals if they can’t find new homes for them.
Unfortunately, the Wild Planet Trust said they can’t really afford to reopen the Living Coasts site because of the expensive costs that occurred during the lockdown. The zoo is home to many different animals, mostly marine species.
The owners now have a tough decision to make. On the Q&A on the zoo’s website, the owners are discussing what would happen if they can’t find suitable homes for all the animals.
Even though their priority is the welfare of the animals, it’s very hard to find a home that will suit all of their needs. Unfortunately, this means that they may have to euthanize some of the animals.
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The zoo’s owners are decided to use their world-wide network of other zoos and aquariums and find new homes for the animals. Many of the animals that live at Living Coasts are marine species that need to live in special facilities. However, some of the captive species may be reintroduced into the wild.
Since many of the animals were born at Living Coasts, they wouldn’t be able to get used to life in the wild.
In a statement on its website, a spokesperson wrote that Wild Planet Trust won’t be re-opening Living Coasts as a visitor attraction.
As a result of the decreased number of visitors, forced closure, and the needed substantial maintenance the Trust isn’t in a position to afford. However, all of the animals’ needs will still be fulfilled until they find new homes.
This is bad news for all the 44 members of its staff because they will no longer be needed.
Now, the Wild Planet Trust warned other zoos that there is a risk closure because the number of visitors and money reserves have been dramatically decreased.
Although English zoos can reopen now, there are still some strict rules about social distancing.
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