Barry went with a cross-party group of MPs to visit Chester Zoo.
Parliamentarians have demanded changes to the way Government is supporting zoos and aquariums through the coronavirus pandemic, in a forceful letter signed by 11 MPs and peers. The letter, which you can find below, organised by the APPG for Zoos and Aquariums and the APPG for International Conservation, is concerned that the financial devastation of the pandemic will hit international conservation efforts at a time Government is pushing forward a ‘world-leading’ environmental agenda.
Barry said: “The IPBES report could not be clearer. Biodiversity is declining at a faster rate than at any time in human history. The life support mechanisms upon which human life on earth depend are being unplugged one by one. Conservation has never been more important and zoos are at the forefront of that work. COVID has disrupted all this and government must act now to keep these vital conservation programmes alive.”
On the recent visit to Chester Zoo, members of the APPGs learned about the Zoo’s many conservation projects, from Asian songbirds to black rhino.
BIAZA members normally receive over 35 million visitors each year, the majority of which falls between spring and summer. This essential income goes towards the high cost of animal care and crucial wildlife conservation.
Theo Clarke MP, Co-chair of the APPG for International Conservation said: “I appreciate that the zoos and aquariums sector is facing a very difficult situation due to Covid-19. I am asking everyone to support their local zoos by visiting them. By doing this, not only will you enjoy a Covid-secure day out but at the same time you can make a real difference to the future of wildlife across the world.”
