What financial pressures are UK zoos facing?

UK zoos are facing financial pressures from rising energy costs, reduced visitor numbers due to the cost of living crisis, and the lingering impact of the pandemic, leading many to report precarious financial situations.

What new legislation aims to protect animals in zoos?

From 2027, new legislation will require zoos to have contingency plans for animal welfare during financial difficulties or closures, alongside reforms to improve conservation standards and safety measures.

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UK Zoos Face Extinction Crisis

Q: Which zoos have reported significant financial losses?

Jersey Zoo reported a £4.8 million loss in 2024, and institutions like London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo have implemented cost-cutting measures due to financial difficulties.

3 Feb

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Summary

40% of UK and Ireland zoos report financial instability since 2022.
Increased energy bills and reduced visitor numbers are major pressures.
New legislation aims to protect animal welfare during zoo closures.

Zoos across Britain are confronting an existential threat, with many facing financial ruin. Since 2022, a significant portion of zoos and aquariums in the UK and Ireland have reported precarious financial situations. Institutions like London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo have implemented cost-cutting measures, while Dartmoor Zoo anticipates a substantial increase in energy bills. Jersey Zoo reported a £4.8 million loss in 2024, necessitating a 10-year survival strategy.

The financial strain is attributed to several factors, including the lingering impact of the pandemic, the ongoing cost of living crisis, and rising energy expenses. These combined pressures have led to the closure of Axe Valley Wildlife Park and South Lakes Safari Zoo. Newquay Zoo and Paignton Zoo were put up for sale in October 2025 due to financial difficulties.

Beyond financial woes, zoos are also navigating shifting public perceptions regarding the ethics of keeping wild animals in captivity. Concerns about animal welfare at Jersey Zoo in May 2024, including distressing images of animals, have also impacted revenue. However, zoos continue to advocate for their crucial role in species conservation, citing successes like the birth of an Amur Leopard at Dartmoor Zoo.