May 28, 2020 - 799 views
Another local Member of Welsh Parliament has today expressed her disappointment at the Welsh Government’s reply to her request for a specialised zoo fund, designed to support organisations such as the Welsh Mountain Zoo throughout the present pandemic.
The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – wrote to North Wales Minister Ken Skates asking that the plight of the zoo be considered along with many other similar conservation projects and aquariums including ones in Anglesey and in Rhyl.
In his letter of reply he said: “A specific zoo fund is not necessary in Wales due to the existence of the Economic Resilience Fund, which is unique to Wales.”
However, many commentators and critics have suggested that the fund will only cover a small percentage of the running costs which have totalled £500,000 in just two months since lockdown began.
Speaking of the situation, Janet said: "Whilst I thank the Minister for his reply to my letter, the Welsh Government are placing Welsh zoos in the lion’s mouth by refusing to launch a Welsh Zoo Support Fund.
"It is a great shame that, in writing out to all thirty Welsh zoos, the Welsh Government did not think it wise to ascertain the ongoing or financial viability of the organisations.
"Should this have factored into their questionnaire, perhaps the Minister would have come to understand the true state of affairs.
"Enforced closures as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic has placed tremendous strain on these organisations, who have been unable to furlough workers due to ongoing animal welfare obligations. Their circumstance requires a specialist and sustained response that current schemes do not offer.
"The Welsh Government are at pains to point out that animal welfare remains a priority for their administration. Surely, it is about time that they backed up these warm words with tangible actions, such as replicating the UK Government's COVID-19 zoo support fund."
A public focused fundraising campaign has so far raised just over £163,000 and an online petition urging Welsh Government to reconsider its position is circulating online.
