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<p>The fund has been a lifeline for many zoos and has been accessible to all zoos
and aquaria which need funds to care for their animals, as evidenced by the success
of small, medium and large zoos in securing grant funding. Only one application to
the Zoo Animals Fund has been rejected on the basis that the business in question
was ineligible as it did not have the necessary licence or exemption. The Zoo Animals
Fund has been created to provide for zoos which, due to a coronavirus-related drop
in income are experiencing severe financial difficulties and need support in caring
for their animals. The fund’s purpose is to ensure that animals’ needs continue to
be met, and if zoos are closing, downsizing or rehoming their collection the fund
can also provide support in these circumstances. We have extended the application
deadline for the Zoo Animals Fund to 26 February 2021 and urge any zoos in need of
support to put in an application.</p><p>Beyond the Zoo Animals Fund, the Government
has provided a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support businesses,
including zoos and aquaria, through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.
Zoos and aquaria are eligible to apply for a range of support schemes including the
Job Retention Scheme, VAT deferral, Business Rates Relief, the Business Interruption
Loan, the option to reclaim the costs of Statutory Sick Pay and grant funding.</p>
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