Chester Zoo shares heartwarming message thanking fans for 'saving the zoo'

Zoos are set to reopen from Monday 15th June

Author: Alex RossPublished 10th Jun 2020
Last updated 10th Jun 2020

After the news that zoos and safari parks across the UK can open from Monday 15th June, as long as they follow social distancing rules, Chester Zoo have sent out a heartwarming message on social media, thanking customers for 'saving their zoo'.

Sharing a cute photo of a baby elephant, the message reveals the zoo have suffered 'severe financial damage' during lockdown, but it thanks users for their kind donations and adoptions.

It reads, '🙌 YOU DID IT! 🙌 A week ago we were in despair, not knowing when we would reopen, or if we could even survive much longer... BUT YOUR VOICES HAVE BEEN HEARD! 📣

'We have JUST received the news that we’ll be able to open safely from 15 June. Your support has been incredible. Every kind donation, every word of support. It really is making a HUGE difference.

'The fight isn’t over for us just yet. But, for now, we want to celebrate this huge moment of relief with you.

'There’s no denying that we have suffered severe financial damage over the past three months and the road to recovery will be long and uncertain. But, your incredibly kind donations, animal adoptions and memberships are giving us a vital lifeline.

'Over the next few days we’ll be letting you know when and how you’ll be able to book a ticket to visit. Please bear with us while we do this.

'From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. You are SAVING OUR ZOO ❤️'. (sic)

The post has so far attracted a lot of comments, with many animal lovers expressing their thoughts about the reopening.

One user commented, 'Don’t think I’ve ever been so emotional or happy about a place re-opening! The public did and amazing job of getting this out there and let’s hope it continues and we carry on supporting this world leading zoo!! 💜 See you soon!!' (sic)

Another wrote, 'Never cried so much as I did reading this 🥺😭❤️ Cannot explain how much we love and adore 'our Zoo'. We've been Members for over 5 years and this is literally our second home. As someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, CZ is my absolute happy place, a day here makes everything good again, and all the bad thoughts go away. We're so unbelievably happy right now ❤️❤️❤️'. (sic)

A third added, 'Oh my goodness, this is the best news. I have literally just commented on friends post how we can’t believe that shops can open but you can’t. We can’t wait to book a ticket and help support you as much as we can. Xx' (sic)

If you would like to contribute to Chester Zoo, you can donate on their JustGiving page right here.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to announce to the nation on Wednesday 10th June further easing of the current lockdown, with zoos and safari parks set to be able to open their doors from Monday 15th June.

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