Zoos around the world have been hit particularly hard by lockdown measures, and Chester Zoo in the UK has been no exception. Last week, the zoo announced it was facing an uncertain future as a result of the coronavirus, and pleaded with the public to help with donations.
Fortunately, the zoo was surprised when one of the country’s most popular food retailers came forward to offer a helping hand in a rather unconventional way. In a bid to alleviate some of the zoo’s financial strain, the supermarket chain, Iceland, has adopted Chester Zoo’s entire rookery of Humboldt penguins.
Adopting animals is a way of providing funds to a zoo or animal rescue, which is what Chester Zoo desperately needs to survive. What’s more, Iceland’s donation will help the zoo give the penguins the best life possible.
The frozen food retailer has also agreed to lobby the UK government on the zoo’s behalf, encouraging current legislation to allow zoos to reopen with strict social distancing guidance in place. The earnings from the visitors will help the zoo get back on its feet after its period of closure.
“We’re proud to be able to lend them our support both through the adoption of the Humboldt penguins on behalf of our colleagues and by lobbying in support of zoos being allowed to reopen soon. The conservation work undertaken by the zoo is vital and along with the park itself reopening it is incredibly important that this amazing work is able to continue,” said Richard Walker, Iceland’s managing director.
