Sir David Attenborough has warned that the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), faces ‘extinction’ as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The ZSL, which runs both the London and Whipsnade zoo, is revered for its conservation work. Combined, London and Whipsnade zoo are home to over 20,000 animals – most of which are endangered in the wild.
In a video appealing to the public, Attenborough hashes out the important scientific and conservation work that has been done by ZSL for 200 years.
‘Now more than ever we must support the work of this global conservation charity,’ says Attenborough.
In a statement, ZSL said: ‘As well as providing the highest level of animal care, welfare and education at its two zoos, ZSL relies on income from zoo ticket sales to fund global wildlife health research at the revered Institute of Zoology, and to support its active conservation projects in more than 50 countries around the world.’
ZSL Director General Dominic Jermey said: ‘The closure of London and Whipsnade Zoos put us under immense financial pressure. Our zoos may have been able to reopen their gates, but with strict social distancing measures and heavily restricted visitor numbers we have no way of recouping what was lost; we’re fighting our biggest challenge in our 200-year history.’
The society had to close their doors due to the coronavirus pandemic for the first time since World War 2.
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Image credit: Instagram/ sirdavidattenborough
