Dominic Raab offers promise of support fund lifeline for species-saving work of Covid-closed Twycross Zoo

BOSWORTH MP DR LUKE EVANS RAISES WORRIES IN VIRTUAL COMMONS DEBATE AS WILDLIFE ICON FACES 'UNCERTAIN TIMES'

THE GOVERNMENT has promised a new support fund to "good zoos" as the world-famous wildlife conservation charity on the outskirts of Atherstone battles coronavirus closure.

Bosworth MP Dr Luke Evans raised the standard for Twycross Zoo as the UK Parliament went 'virtual' today.

And stand-in PM Dominc Raab said there would be a launch "soon" with dedicated assistance to help sanctuaries "care for animals" during the Covid-19 crisis.

Mr Raab said: "We have got to look after the zoos and all of the incredible animals on display for all of us."

The Foreign Secretary is not the first senior politician to highlight the work of Twycross Zoo in the House of Commons. Three years former Prime Minister Theresa May praised it for its "valuable" work in helping protect endangered species.

The zoo, which has been in existence since the late Molly Badham opened it in 1963 on the Warwickshire-Leicestershire borders, plays a crucial role in the Midlands and UK in saving species from extinction.

It boasts "educating 30 million people" since first opening its gates and cares for one of the biggest collections of apes in Europe in a total of 150 species, many of which are endangered.

Chief executive Sharon Redrobe has launched an online appeal for funds as the virus lockdown measures have seen the zoo closed for the longest time in its 57-year history.

In a direct plea, Ms Redrobe – a former businesswoman of the year and chairman of Ape Action Africa – said: "As a conservation charity we are experiencing uncertain times and we have never needed your support more than we do today.

"Please help if you can. As a charity we had reserves but they have now almost gone."

It raised £23,000 in the first week – only the equivalent of running the sanctuary for one day as monthly costs are put at £650,000.

The zoo has posted it has been "overwhelmed" by supporters wanting to set up their own fundraising challenges and events to help. It is suggesting would-be fundraisers put their minds to a challenge or hosting a virtual event

To help support the zoo, you can click here to donate.

Last week Nub News highlighted how zoo supporters have voted to name a new-born Kirk's Dik-Dik antelope 'George' in recognition of the "amazing" work of NHS staff at Atherstone's main hospital.

The George Eliot Hospital pushed 99-year-old World War II veteran Captain Tom Moore's incredible £27 million fundraising efforts into second place in the Facebook poll.

The vote, which coincided with last Thursday night's now-weekly #ClapForCarers, brought response in the hundreds.