BOSSES at Colchester Zoo have welcomed the announcement of a Government support fund for wildlife attractions.

On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, standing in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, told MPs in the House of Commons a new fund was to be launched for facilities which are struggling financially.

Mr Raab said: "It will be able to provide dedicated support alongside that already made available by the Treasury to help zoos care for their animals during this crisis and I urge the zoos concerned to look at the range of financial support already available, but also to make contact with Defra officials so we can see how it can be best tailored for them."

Colchester Zoo is closed to visitors and receiving no income, but is still facing bills of more than £25,000 a day to care for and feed its hundreds of species.

Residents have been doing their bit by donating to its Operating Fund appeal, however a spokesman for the zoo welcome the Government announcement.

He said: "We view the Government decision to ensure zoos can receive assistance to be able to survive during the current pandemic as a positive step.

"We have not yet been able to study what is on offer and how to reach it but a meeting is planned in the next day or two to explore this possibility.

"The longer this pandemic goes on the more difficult it will be for us and others to deliver the very best for our animals whilst we have no income.

"However, we don’t expect we will be able to open for a while therefore we have to explore every possibilities available."

Visit colchesterzoo.com to find out more or donate.