People all across the country have been pulling together in the wake of the news that Dublin Zoo could be facing permanent closure without public support. This morning launching a ‘Save Dublin Zoo’ campaign, it’s believed that over €100,00 was raised in just a matter of hours.
Also weighing on the matter, several ministers have said that they are hopeful government will be able to do their part to support the zoo.
We need @DublinZoo! We need it now and we will need it into the future. Has played such a major role in family life in Ireland & in conservation work. It must be saved! No doubt, we will all work together to make this happen #SaveDublinZoo https://t.co/SDmO2hR8Gi
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) November 18, 2020
Confirming that he met with the directors of both Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park a number of weeks ago, Green Party TD Malcolm Noonan commented that the loss of either one is “unthinkable”.
“I am hopeful that my department will be able to offer short term financial support to help tide the two main zoos past this immediate challenge. I have also raised the matter with An Taoiseach and the Public Expenditure Minister McGrath.
“The outflow of public goodwill in terms of donations is testament to the high regard that these places have in our public consciousness. The loss of Dublin or Fota is unthinkable.”
To that end I am hopeful that my department will be able to offer short term financial support to help tide the two main zoos past this immediate challenge. I have also raised the matter with An Taoiseach and the Public Expenditure Minister McGrath.
— Malcolm Noonan T.D. (@noonan_malcolm) November 18, 2020
Acknowledging the key role both centres play in international and national conservation work, Noonan later added that he looks forward to the day that Dublin Zoo is bustling with the sound of families again.
In the Dáil Mary Lou McDonald notes, correctly, that you can't furlough a giraffe
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) November 18, 2020
Header image via Shutterstock/Dublin Zoo
