PRIME MINISTER SET TO ANNOUNCE U-TURN TO 'CLOSED INDEFINITELY' POLICY ON WORLD-FAMOUS ANIMAL CONSERVATION ATTRACTION [H2]

[H2] NEWS COMES 24 HOURS BEFORE MPs DUE TO HOLD PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE ON PLIGHT OF OUTDOOR SANCTUARIES

OWNERS of Twycross Zoo were waking up today to the first ray of hope in the three-month battle to remove itself from a list of "critically endangered" species.

Boris Johnson is expected to announce later that zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas can reopen in England from next Monday in a further easing of lockdown restrictions.

The Prime Minister will update the nation on Wednesday as he tries to reopen the economy while minimising Covid-19's rate of transmission.

Twycross – the only animal conservation sanctuary in the UK housing the four great apes which are the closest living cousins to the human race – has made no secret of the fact it is facing extinction from an exponential threat.

It has been pleading with the Government for grants to support large zoos after a change in the law saw it added to a list ordered to stay closed 'indefinitely' as lockdown continued to crush business sectors.

Nearly two-thirds of the staff are furloughed with monthly running costs of more than half a million pounds.

It has repeatedly said it is "ready to re-open now" with Covid-19 secure' measures in place but until allowed it cannot survive indefinitely – even with an appeal campaign, launched in April, which has raised more than £100,000.

CEO Sharon Redrode said the zoo – first opened in 1963 – would run out of reserves at the end of June and while a bank loan extends its existence, it is "a lot less than we required to survive".

She added: "We are pleading with the government to reconsider our plight, which has quickly now turned into a fight for survival.

"We have no choice but to fight this hard and are working with all levels of government to prove we do indeed provide a safe space for visitors and to highlight the measures we are taking.

"Now is not the time to be losing vital contributors, like ourselves, to world conservation and sadly, following this decision, this is now the reality for our zoo."

Now, in what is seen as something of a U-turn after coming under pressure from zoos and even his own father, Mr Johnson will say at the Downing Street press conference that Twycross – along with other animal sanctuaries – can reopen next week as long as social-distancing rules are uphheld.

He will also announce the easing of restrictions on outdoor attractions where people remain in their cars, such as safari parks and drive-in cinemas, because the risk of spreading the disease is lower outside.

The move will pave the way for zoos to reopen in England alongside non-essential shops, despite schools remaining shuttered to many pupils.

A Downing Street official said: "People are continuing to make huge sacrifices to reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid a second spike, but we know it is tough and where we can safely open up more attractions, and it is supported by the science, we will do so.

"This is by necessity a careful process, but we hope the reopening of safari parks and zoos will help provide families with more options to spend time outdoors while supporting the industry caring for these incredible animals."

The announcement will come after even London Zoo warned it faced the threat of permanent closure if not allowed to reopen.

The PM's father, Stanley Johnson, had joined calls for zoos to "reopen as soon as possible" after they were ordered to close when the lockdown was imposed on March 23.

Though the easing will be a relief, zoos will be told that they must not reopen indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses, and must ensure amenities including cafes are takeaway only.

On Tuesday, international conservation charity Zoological Society of London, which runs London and Whipsnade zoos, said it was struggling due to dwindling income and rising costs, while it had also been turned down for a bank loan on the "misunderstanding" the Government would help.

As late as yesterday the zoo – on it's Charity Tuesday – was appealing for "more support than ever" on its Facebook page with a plea to donate online by going to its 'Protect Our Future' page.

It was calling on supporters to send an email or letter to local MPs Craig Tracey and Dr Luke Evans to attend Thursday's Parliamentary debate on zoos.