AIBU to think that it’s time this zoo closed?

[RinderTinderNotRinderGrinder]

I’ve just seen a FB post by the owners complaining about a Daily Fail article that says they’re threatening to kill all their animals.

Link to the BBC article here www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-52770101

I know we’re a long way from the Tiger King, but this place has been on its last legs for years and still was given a licence to get lions after they strangled a lynx and allowed another one to escape resulting in it being shot.

It was closed in January because they didn’t have enough people with a firearms licence on site (despite now having lions).

There have been constant requests for free labour and money from the public since they opened. I actually saw the original post when it first came out, and it did feel like they were threatening to euthanise the animals if money wasn’t forthcoming.

I can’t imagine a proper zoo putting out a marketing campaign saying “Sponsor our elephant or we’ll have to put him down ”

It’s time to end this hobby zoo and give those animals a chance to be looked after properly. They probably do genuinely care about the animals and want it to work, but it’s not enough. They don’t have the money or the know how to do what needs doing.

AIBU to think that it should be closed or turned into a small animal sanctuary with no exotic or large animals involved?

[Teacher12345]

There was an article from Chester Zoo saying they were struggling and mentioning that at the moment they were no where need eithanising animals yet, but were concerned. To me it felt like they were raising the issue to tell people what will happen without their support.
Not much different, but I haven't seen the zoo you are referring to.

[RinderTinderNotRinderGrinder]

Ah, then I stand corrected on that point. This place is very small, and not a proper zoo, though it has gotten more and more exotic animals over the years. The new owners took over a few years ago.

[RedHelenB]

Surely zoos can open soon, albeit with less customers due to social distancing.

[Lockheart]

I hate to break it to you OP but lots of farmers have had to do the same thing. I don't doubt petting zoos have also had to consider the same. It's not surprising that smaller zoos may need to face this reality at some point.

[Teacher12345]

Redhelen I think they have fallen under the tourism and leisure industry which was why they shut. I think Chester zoo are getting ready to open but without all the shops and cafes to start with.

[RinderTinderNotRinderGrinder]

It’s more the history of this specific zoo that leads me to think that it’s had its day.

[trappedsincesundaymorn]

The zoo side of Chessington theme park are hoping to re-open in July, they're just waiting for the Government go-ahead. They've put in all the measures for social distancing so they are good to go.

[hellswelshy]

Agree op. I read this article when it was published and felt exactly the same. It seems like they've maybe bitten off more than they can chew and need to now stop and think of the animals.

[Scattyhattie]

They seem rather incompetent at running a zoo so wouldn't be worst thing long term to close.
Not the best time for the animals to be rehomed although more people would likely donate to help that.

[Ponoka7]

They owe a £75k tax bill and only the lockdown has meant that court date hasn't gone ahead. The Judge wanted moves to be made in rehoming the animals, just as lock down started.

It isn't sustainable and needs to close. Many places in Wales have moved towatds, Lamas, Water buffalo (although there's just been three deaths on one farm) and other such animals, which people still want to see. Reptiles/spiders are always popular. Large cats etc should only be in conservation zoos.

[Ponoka7]

It's interesting that the Welsh tourist government department said that there was funding available for any animal attraction that can't meet the welfare standards of the animals. It makes you wonder if the fund raising is to pay the tax bill.

[twinkletoesimnot]

I hate to break it to you OP but lots of farmers have had to do the same *thing
*
???? What on earth?

Farmers?

[Beamur]

I visited Borth zoo many years ago - probably under its previous owners and it really was a delight.
A friend of mine has a job which means she knows a lot about zoos. Many are struggling now and are looking at reducing their collections. My friend sagely commented that in the long run this is probably going to be beneficial to the remaining animals.

[HavelockVetinari]

Did the estate agent use their own photographer? I ask because they generally use a fish-eye lens which makes spaces look bigger - same as holiday cottages, hotels etc. use in adverts. It's misleading but not illegal.

[HavelockVetinari]

Whoops, wrong thread!

[RinderTinderNotRinderGrinder]

I didn’t know about the tax bill. There’s clear mismanagement going on on so many levels.

It’s an odd thing in this day and age that someone can just “buy a zoo” without the relevant experience. If they’d worked on improving conditions for the animals instead of focusing on getting lions (presumably to try to get more tourists in) then I’d have a lot more sympathy.

They seem to blame all their problems on the previous owners instead of taking responsibility for some truly awful fuck ups. The lynx fiasco was heart breaking.