Bosses at Colchester Zoo have spoken of their fears for its future following a foot-and-mouth outbreak just a couple of miles away.

The popular attraction has been closed voluntarily for two weeks since the first outbreak of the disease was announced.

The zoo has so far lost more than £150,000 in takings and bosses may consider making redundancies if the crisis continues.

Parts of the zoo are in the three-kilometre exclusion zone surrounding the newest outbreak at Wick Farm in Layer de la Haye and even stronger precautions will be taken to try to stop it spreading to the zoo.

Owner Anthony Tropeano said it was the worst crisis he had faced since he took over the running of the zoo in 1983.

"We have not taken any risks. All of the animals are being checked every couple of hours and the ones prone to infection are being locked away.

"We do not know if the elephants can be affected or not but we are not taking any chances. Some scientists say they can, other say they can't," he added.

Mr Tropeano said at this time of the year the zoo usually takes on and trains extra staff in time for the Easter period.

"That is obviously not happening at the moment. We have 120 full-time staff with families and mortgages and while our first concern is for the animals, I am worried for them.

"If this continues I would have to think about making redundancies. "It is not just the ticket sales, it is food, the gift shop, everything. This zoo takes a lot to run. It is a very, very grave situation," added Mr Tropeano.

Other businesses have also been forced to think about whether they should restrict their movements.

Manager of Kingsford Park Hotel, based just yards away from the farm, said they would have to consider how it would affect future functions.

The cows and sheep which usually greet guests at Layer Marney Towers have also been removed and are being kept a few miles away from the house.

By Lauren Spurgeon

Reporter's e-mail: lauren_spurgeon@thisisessex.co.uk

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