Statement from Paignton Zoo

Paignton Zoo is aware of the public concern that it may be considering euthanasing some of its animal collection. The current crisis would have to be much worse before such a move would even be contemplated. Having said that, nobody should underestimate the financial challenge facing us. Like all zoos we currently have no income at all but our costs are still extremely high, running to hundreds of thousands of pounds per month. This is clearly an unsustainable situation so it would be remiss of the zoo's owner, the Wild Planet Trust, were it not to be looking very hard at what it can do to mitigate the loss and protect itself, and its zoos, for the future. We suspect that every single charity, business and enterprise in the country is doing exactly the same. We are very grateful for the support that has been offered to us and for the donations that we have received in the last few weeks.