Keepers move back into Cornish zoo to care for animals during lockdown
Two have returned to Paradise Park in Hayle to care for the animals and safeguard their isolating families
Two keepers have moved back into a Cornish zoo to care for the animals during lockdown.
It is the second time that Emily Foden and Layla Richardson will have stayed at Paradise Park in Hayle since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
The dedicated staff have made the decision so that they can continue to look after the site's 1200 birds and animals, but also to safeguard their own families who are isolating.
"It’s quite different this time, with the massive surge in cases here in Cornwall, it felt right to move in again along with my colleague Emily Foden on the 7th January.
"Last year in April it was sunny and warm here. But now we are in the depths of winter and life at the park feels a lot different, colder obviously, as no matter what, we work outside in all weather conditions.
"Our routines during the pandemic have changed a lot to ensure we are all socially distanced. We have staggered rotas with the first shift starting at 7am, and the work is split in such a way that we now work more independently, so it is a team effort, but at a distance".
Paradise Park Keeper Layla Richardson
The team have launched a fresh appeal for help to support the park, saying "there is no compromise on the daily care of any bird or mammal, and many are endangered in the wild and in vital co-operative international breeding schemes".
They say that the feed bills and staff wages, plus vet bills, water, electricity and enclosure maintenance come to a minimum of £46,000 a month.
Fish for one penguin is just over £10 a week and, with 21 penguins, that works out to just under £1000 a month for the park's whole penguin colony.
"As with many organisations in Cornwall, we get through the winter on the money we take during the summer. But with the first three-month lockdown and then restricted visitor numbers we have not been able to make up lost income.
"We secured some funding which has helped in the short term and are hoping to receive a positive outcome from our DEFRA grant application, and meanwhile relying very much on the local community and supporters from further afield with donations of money, food and items from our Wish List".
Paradise Park
You can find out how to donate and help support Paradise Park during lockdown here.
"We wish to express our sincere thanks to everyone, including the local community and businesses that have donated so far to help us look after the animals. The staff have been brilliant - we are keeping positive because every day we work with amazing animals and as many are endangered and we have spent decades caring for them at the Park and on their conservation in the wild".
Paradise Park Director Alison Hales