Colchester Zoo's managers have been left reeling by the financial cost to business of the recent snow.

With temperatures below zero and snow on the ground during the zoo's busy Christmas period and for more than a week in January, visitor figures are at a critical level and heating and electricity costs are spiralling.

Director Anthony Tropeano said: "On a normal day in January it costs over £2,000 for heating oil and electricity to keep the zoo open and the animals warm.

"With the recent sub zero temperatures this is going to be even worse.

"While this is sustainable after a busy Christmas period, the weather has really dealt us a double whammy.

"We would normally see nearly 20,000 children visit Colchester Zoo for all the Christmas activities and Santa's Enchanted Grotto. This winter numbers were over 20 per cent down.

"Now we're facing further losses with visitor numbers currently 50 per cent down in January."

SEE TUESDAY'S GAZETTE FOR A SPECIAL REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF THE BIG FREEZE ON BUSINESSES IN COLCHESTER.