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Twycross Zoo 57 years old

Gorilla keepers, Olivia (nearest) and Billie put food out in the gorilla enclosure taking precautions not to pass on Covid-19 to the animals at Twycross Zoo in Leicester, Britain, 29 May 2020. Twycross Zoo was 57 years old this week (26 May) having opened its gates to the public in 1963. Since then the zoo has evolved into a world-renowned conservation charity zoo, winning countless awards for animal welfare, education and business and playing an important role in the conservation, education and research needed to protect many of the most endangered species on the planet. Since Twycross Zoo sadly closed its gates in March, due to the Covid-19 crisis, the zoo finds itself in an unforeseen position of fighting to protect its future, with costs continuing to mount and income having all but dried. While the Government had set up a fund to help some small zoos, Twycross is not eligible. Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE, CEO of Twycross Zoo has said '"in order to keep operating the zoo has been relying on its reserves (which run out in June), as well as donations from its many supporters". EPA/TIM KEETON