Aquariums and Zoos: Coronavirus

(asked on 3rd February 2021) - View Source

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect on zoos and aquaria in the event that those venues are not open to visitors over Easter 2021 as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.


Answered by
Victoria Prentis Portrait
Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
This question was answered on 12th February 2021

I am aware of the pressure that the current coronavirus restrictions are placing on the zoo sector and I know that Easter is a key time of year for zoos and aquaria to welcome visitors. The Government has not yet announced how and when the current coronavirus restrictions applying to zoos and aquaria will be eased. We keep the Zoo Animals Fund constantly under review to ensure that it is meeting its aims. We have recently extended the application deadline for the Zoo Animals Fund to 26 February 2021 and urge any zoos in need of support to put in an application.

In addition to the Zoo Animals Fund, the Government has provided a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support businesses, including zoos and aquaria, through this period. Zoos are eligible to apply for a range of support schemes including the Job Retention Scheme, VAT deferral, Business Rates Relief, the Business Interruption Loan, the option to reclaim the costs of Statutory Sick Pay and grant funding.

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