Dublin Zoo raise over €1 million after launch of fundraising campaign yesterday

Dublin Zoo has raised more than €1 million in donations since it launched a fundraising campaign yesterday.

The cost of feeding and looking after the animals costs up to half a million euros a month, but the Zoo remains closed to the public due to the coronavirus restrictions.

It had warned it will have to close its gates for good after revenue streams, in the form of gate receipts and onsite sales, disappeared costing the zoo €8.2m in potential revenue.

Yesterday morning they announced the launch of the ‘Save Dublin Zoo’ fundraising campaign, appealing to the public for help.

The Zoo tweeted last night:

“Orang’ of applause to you all!

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think we’d get here – let alone this soon!

“We have reached a mind blowing €1,000,000 – and it’s all thanks to you!”

The Government has confirmed it will step in to keep the zoo afloat.

Speaking in the Dail yesterday Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

“The Government does not want Dublin Zoo to close and we will do everything we possibly can to ensure Dublin Zoo stays open.

“In my view given the extraordinary circumstances of a global pandemic, a once in 100-year event, Government has to intervene here.

“Government has to work with Dublin Zoo to ensure that it’s available for generations to come.”

While the zoo does not ordinarily receive capital funding, an exception is being made in the context of the global pandemic.