Cleethorpes zoo to shut down
It's due to high running costs
A zoo in North East Lincolnshire is closing down on the 10th October due to high running costs.
Jungle Zoo in Cleethorpes has been open for 25 years - but with the rise in costs of energy bills along with licencing issues, it's having to close.
Sharon Gledhill is the owner there - she says the government's support package isn't enough, Sharon said:
"We're a tropical house with loads of reptiles and the heating bill is just massive, it's thousands and thousands every month - at least ÂŁ4-5,000. When the contract runs out, it's going to be more than double, it's just not feasible.
"Normally we get different sets of families coming down when schools break up across England, but we just haven't had them. I don't think people themselves have been able to afford the day out, they just want to stay closer to home."
Organisations are already coming forward to re-home the animals, Sharon added:
"The majority have already got a forever home sorted out, We have other collections like Bishop Burton college and a University in Wales. We've got everything sorted out."
It's been an emotional week for staff at the zoo as they announced the closure to the public this week.
Sharon added:
"It's like a community here, we've done lots for conservation and education. We have had university students doing their work placements here, school groups coming.
"All staff will remain employed and on site night and day as normal until the very last animal has left.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers who have supported us over the years, you made us what we are and gave us plenty to smile about on a daily basis.
We pride ourselves on being a friendly little zoo and we've made life long friends that have turned into our little 'zoo family' so from us. Thank you!"