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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the £100m allocated for zoos and aquariums in response to covid-19 outbreak, whether he plans to (a) ringfence the remainder of that funding or (b) reform the eligibility criteria to ensure that funding supports its intended purpose.

The objective of the Zoo Animals Fund is to provide for operators who, due to a coronavirus-related drop in income are experiencing severe financial difficulties and need support in caring for their animal collections between now and the start of the next season. The eligibility criteria have been set to ensure the funding reaches those zoos in most need. ZAF grant payments to zoos begin when they reach their final 12 weeks of financial reserves. Zoos can though, apply at any time before reaching this 12 week point to help with their business planning. If zoos are downsizing or rehoming their collection the fund can also provide support for this to ensure the animals’ welfare. We are monitoring uptake of the Zoo Animals Fund and remain in discussion with zoos about how the scheme is working. The Zoo Animals Fund applies in relation to financial difficulties arising until the end of 2020/21, after which the new zoos peak visitor season starts and viable zoos should be able to cover their costs.