Zoo charity forced to cut jobs as it struggles with £1m shortfall

A wildlife trust which operates two zoos in Devon and Cornwall has announced redundancies as it looks to save £1m from its annual budget.

The Wild Planet Trust, which operated Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo, said it faced crippling challenges due to the cost of living crisis.

Stephen Kings, the trust’s interim executive chairman, said cost-cutting measures will inevitably means redundancies.

He said fewer people were visiting the zoos due to cost of living crisis and added the trust had no option but to review our staff and operating costs.

Mr Kings added: “Unfortunately, the combination of Covid-19, avian influenza, and the cost of living crisis has resulted in fewer visitors to our zoos over the past few years.

“It is often forgotten that we are a charity purely funded by our supporters, members and visitors.

“Therefore this has forced the trust to cut costs, which inevitably means redundancies.”

The trust said its financial challenges included the repayment of a government loan taken during the forced closure in the pandemic and ongoing operational costs of £1m per month for both zoos.

Mr Kings said: “We started off with a £3m loan from the government during covid, we are now paying that back at approximately £40,000 a month and we have £1.4m to pay off.

“We have many other improvement plans in place for future developments so therefore need the support of everyone who loves our zoos.”