City ready to help in Glasgow Zoo crisis

Published on Wednesday 18 June 2003 01:00

EDINBURGH Zoo is on standby to take in homeless animals from Glasgow Zoo after the stricken attraction announced it is to close.

Glasgow Zoo is believed to be labouring under debts of 3 million and will close its doors at the end of September. Any animals that have not been found new homes by then may have to be put down.

The attraction, which draws in just 40,000 visitors each year, looks after about 239 animals in total.

David Windmill, chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which owns Edinburgh zoo, said: "They haven’t yet asked us to take care of any of their animals.

"We would be very pleased to help if we can, but this will depend on whether or not we have the appropriate facilities here.

"I am sure they will be approaching a number of different zoos and safari parks to find the right conditions for their animals."

Fears are now growing for the future of five elderly Asiatic black bears who are unlikely to find a new home because they may be considered too old and expensive to maintain.

All 19 staff at Glasgow Zoo now face redundancy over the coming months.

The animals are to be rehoused with the help of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The majority will stay in the UK, according to the SSPCA.

Zoos are required by law to demonstrate their commitment to conservation, education and research.