Colchester Zoo has revealed that ticket sales have ‘plummeted’ since Essex was put into Tier Two restrictions.

The decision was made last Thursday (October 15) to raise the coronavirus alert level in Essex following a request from Essex County Council.

Colchester Zoo has revealed that ticket sales have ‘plummeted’ since Essex was put into Tier Two restrictions.

The decision was made last Thursday (October 15) to raise the coronavirus alert level in Essex following a request from Essex County Council.

The zoo welcomed back their customers, but was forced to reduce their numbers to allow for social-distancing to take place.

This move meant that Colchester Zoo suffered a loss of earning, despite running costs staying the same.

However, with their daily running costs still a concern for the park and the furlough scheme coming to an end, things are looking bad for the zoo.

Each month, it costs Colchester Zoo £500,000 to operate.

This pays for the food and care for more than 10,000 animals, along with the general upkeep of the park.

The sudden drop in bookings is an added concern for Colchester Zoo as the winter approaches.

Normally, Colchester Zoo make enough money over the summer to help pay for the winter, when less people visit.

The winter also ups their prices for heating, electric and food supplies for the animals when it is cold.

Announcing the worrying news on Facebook, a Colchester Zoo spokesperson said that they are relying on the support of visitors to continue vital conservation work.

They said: “We are heavily reliant upon ticket sales but visitor numbers have plummeted since Essex moved to the ‘High’ level alert.

“Since March we have done our utmost to cut costs wherever possible, but animal welfare costs simply cannot be sacrificed.

“Our bills are set to increase with the Furlough scheme ending and the cold weather setting in requiring additional heating, electric and food supplies for the animals.

“Without your support and visits we will simply not be able to achieve our mission of helping to protect species through education and conservation projects.”

EssexLive is currently fundraising alongside InYourArea and GoFundMe to raise £25,000 for the Colchester Zoo Operating Fund. These funds will help the park through their current financial struggle to ensure that they can continue hiring staff, feeding and caring for the animals and conducting world class animal research in the future. For more information on EssexLive’s SaveTheZoo Campaign or to donate, click here.