07/06/2021 UPDATE: A YEAR WE WILL NEVER FORGET

One year ago, you heard our cry to Save Our Zoo. One year ago, you did something absolutely extraordinary.

This campaign was launched during one of the darkest times in our 90-year history, but your generosity and your love came through like a beacon of light throughout those perilous months of closure.

You've inspired and delighted us, and continue to do so, with your fundraising passion and creativity. We're still collecting and sharing stories about how you've made a difference to us as a charity, and to the amazing species and habitats we protect. Please keep sharing those with us here.

To everyone who has donated, fundraised, stayed or become a member or an adopter, sent us messages of support, and visited us; THANK YOU for your unwavering kindness.

For other ways to help support Chester Zoo and to prevent extinction, take a visit to our website.

With love as always, TeamCZ

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04/01/2021 UPDATE: THE THIRD LOCKDOWN

In line with the government's new national lockdown measures and stay at home advice, our charity zoo will once again close from 4 January, until further notice. This is, of course, not the way that any of us wanted to welcome in the new year but its something we must do, and hopefully for the final time.

Visitor income is our lifeblood and facing another extended period without it, coupled with all of the uncertainty attached to this pandemic is, undeniably, a big worry to us.

We are so grateful for everything you've already done. You've inspired and delighted us, and we'd love you to share your stories with us here. And if you can help us again, that would genuinely mean the WORLD to us.

THANK YOU, as always, for your unwavering love, kindness and support. TOGETHER, we can get through this!

For other ways to help Save Our Zoo and to get involved head to our website.

With love, TeamCZ

Xx

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01/11/2020 UPDATE: THE SECOND LOCKDOWN

We've been here before. We got through it once. And, with you by our side, well get through it again...

Following the governments latest instruction for a nationwide lockdown, were sad to say well once again close our gates to visitors from 4pm on Wednesday 4 November until Wednesday 2 December.

We know a second lockdown will help slow down the spread of this terrible virus and we of course want to help in any way we can, but we can't deny that this news presents us with yet more challenges.

With no tailored funding from the government and having had no access to £100m Zoo Animals Fund due its highly restrictive criteria, its again a worrying time for us, especially after the lengths we went to to make the zoo such a safe space.

Weve said it untold times already but thanks for sticking with us. Thanks for standing by our side. Thanks for your incredible, overwhelming, support. The video below still stands - you're amazing.

Stay safe, be kind to each other and well hopefully see you soon.

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07/07/2020 UPDATE: A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM US

27/06/2020 UPDATE: ZOO FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT

We of course welcome any extension of financial support for the zoo sector. But once again, from the details we have seen, Chester Zoo is unlikely to benefit given the current parameters applied to the fund. After significant time spent in lengthy, and what have been seemingly very positive discussions with Government representatives in recent months, this is extremely disappointing for us.

Currently, with no tailored funding or support from the Government, we will need to continue our fundraising efforts whilst opening to limited visitor numbers once again calling on the goodwill, compassion and amazing actions of the public - incredible, generous, astounding people like you - to save our zoo.

Thank you for everything you have done so far! X

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10/06/2020 BREAKING BREAKING NEWS!!!

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 well be able to open safely from 15 June.

Your support has been incredible. Every kind donation, every word of support. It really did make a HUGE difference.

The fight isn't over for us just yet.

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 generous donations, adoptions and memberships have given us a vital lifeline.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

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03/06/2020 BREAKING NEWS: SAVE OUR ZOO CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

Weve tried to stay positive during this pandemic. Our conservationists have continued to prevent extinction, our virtual days have cheered up the nation, our learning resources have helped thousands of home-schooling families.

We wanted to remain a beacon of hope. We really tried.

But now, as the government has ordered that we may have to stay closed indefinitely, it hurts us to say that this crisis has literally left us fighting for our future.

Thank you to all those who have already donated and fundraised for us. Your commitment has been incredible. But not being able to open, despite being a huge outdoor site with all the necessary safety measures in place, is having a devastating impact on our much-loved zoo.

We REFUSE to cut corners when it comes to the animals.

We REFUSE to give up on our fight to prevent extinction.

And because of that, weve now reached the point where we desperately NEED YOUR HELP.

We need you to SAVE OUR ZOO.

www.chesterzoo.org/saveourzoo

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Preventing extinction NEVER STOPS! And with over 35,000 threatened and critically endangered animals at Chester Zoo, our keepers and conservationists are still hard at work, come rain, hail or shine, making sure they all receive the same care and attention they enjoy all year round.

Despite everything going on, our conservation experts will continue the fight to prevent extinction, and ensure a future for endangered species, no matter how big or how small.

Whilst we plan for as many eventualities as we possibly can, this situation we all find ourselves in is extraordinary. Visitor income is critical to us; it makes up about 97% of our income. Without being open, this certainly has its challenges, but whatever happens we'll continue to provide each and every animal with the same incredible care they receive all year round.

So many of you have asked how you can help, and the absolute best way you can do so right now is by making a small donation if you can, and allowing us to use it where we need it most. After all, it costs us a MASSIVE £465,000 a month simply to look after the animals and plants!

These are difficult times for everyone, so make sure you and your family come first. After that, if the lack of your daily take-out coffee means you have a bit spare to donate to your favourite charities, then please do. Charities need your support more than ever.

And if that happens to be #TheZoo - amazing!

Here's a little message from us....

Catch up with your favourite keepers and animals here.

Download our handy fundraising guide so you can prevent extinction your way, here