26th March 2020
During an unprecedented lockdown, everybody should be at home. Only going out in some specific cases such as going to work when it can not be done remotely. And feed animals is one of them. So, some zookeepers have moved on to the zoos. Nonetheless, London’s zoo struggles with Coronavirus.
An iconic London landmark, ZSL London Zoo closed to the public on Saturday 21 March for the first time since World War Two. However, zookeepers need to go to work. Some of them are now living on site in the Zoo’s Lion Lodge guest accommodation. They have to clean Penguin Beach, preparing food for the giraffes and caring for the meerkats.
ZSL London Zoo’s Chief Operating Officer Kathryn England said: “Last week, along with the rest of the country, we watched as this unprecedented situation unfolded around us and began making detailed plans in anticipation of having to do the previously unthinkable – close ZSL London Zoo to the public.
“A core team of zookeepers, vets, security and grounds staff have stayed on site and are making each day as normal as possible for our much-loved residents, many of which are endangered species and part of important global breeding programmes.”
After close down, the zoo offered its car park to NHS key workers and sent packages of perishable food from its Terrace Restaurant to nearby hospitals.
COVID-19 is a zootic virus which can pass from animals to humans. This means that the care of animals is paramount, too.
«keepers who are in close contact with animals are wearing facemasks and gloves for food prep and inside enclosures. We are constantly monitoring developments and our expert teams will take every appropriate measure to look after our animals».
It is the first time the zoo close since WWII
Nestled in the heart of Regent’s Park, the Zoo opened to scientists in 1828 and to the public in 1847. Pre-dating the invention of the telephone, it’s had six reigning monarchs as its Royal Patron, and survived two world wars – closing only briefly during World War II upon instruction from the government, before being re-opened to boost the morale of Londoners.
Now it has almost 20,000 animals of all kinds. They launches new fundraising campaign for its Zoo residents. Due to Coronavirus lockdown, it will be close until further notice.
They address three key conservation challenges to focus our efforts for the future. Therefore, through their conservationist project, they want to inspire future generations, inform the world about the challenges the wildlife is facing, and empower communities and leaders to improve the wildlife conditions.
These are based on scientific research into the biggest conservation challenges facing wildlife and are areas where all aspects of our work can contribute to achieving results. Moreover, many organisations are planting trees around the country to recover wildlife habitat.
If you´d like to donate please, visit its website here.