The doors at Colchester Zoo will remain firmly closed to the public until the end of the week - with the foot-and-mouth crisis costing one of the town's favourite tourist attractions an estimated £35,000.
A decision to close the zoo was taken last Thursday as the number of reported cases of foot-and-mouth escalated and the disease increased its stranglehold on the country.
Up to 60 animals at the zoo, including elephants, rhinos and giraffes, as well as domestic pigs, are at risk from the contagious disease and the site was declared off-limits to everyone.
Yesterday (Thursday) curator Anthony Tropeano said the zoo would decide on Friday whether to open at the weekend. He said the closure was costing the zoo up to £35,000 a week.
Even if the zoo does reopen, caution will be the priority. "If we do open to the public at the weekend strict controls will still be in place," said Mr Tropeano.
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