Colchester Zoo boss reveals how attraction survived Covid

But in the past 12 months the lives of everyone at the Maldon Road attraction - and across the world - have been turned upside down.

In March last year the zoo closed its doors for what would become the first of three national lockdowns to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Savings are being eaten away by the day-to-day running costs, while the majority of the zoo’s overseas conservation support has been suspended.

As a result, the zoo launched an emergency operating fund following the first coronavirus lockdown in March and has been helped by kind-hearted residents donating.

Now as infection rates begin to fall again, the zoo is looking to the future.

But managing director Dr Tropeano admits just surviving the last 12 months has been a “extremely hard experience”.

“Our income is at present rock bottom, but running a zoo, even closed, still costs thousands of pounds every day, for the animals care and comfort,” he said.

“Thankfully we had always been careful with our spending and whilst most of our cash reserve has now disappeared, we have, up until now, been able to survive helped by many financial donations and other acts of kindness.

“So, when we think of this period at the zoo, we will think of it as a period of despair, a period of worry, sleepless nights, even tears, but at the same time experienced the most amazing level of kindness and generosity by so many.

“Also, we will always think of the incredible team spirit and bond we have experienced too.

“Survival has been an extremely hard experience, like it has been for many other families and businesses.

“The same question comes around every day, what will tomorrow be like? From the zoo’s point of view we have struggled, we have had to beg, and the generosity of people came to our rescue so we have survived. We have learnt a great deal, but also lost a great deal too.”

The harsh reality of the pandemic is much of the zoo’s work in conservation has suffered.

Colchester Zoo has supported the UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve in South Africa since 2005.

The conservation project, and many others across the globe, has been hit hard.

Dr Tropeano said: “The reports we receive from the wild is that without the help of the wide zoo community, animals have suffered and paid a heavy price.

“The UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve has experienced an increase in animal poaching.

“People within the community lost their jobs, furlough there is not what we have here, so children are starving.

“There is no money in the pocket so one of the ways to put food on the table is to turn to poaching.

“We have had to increase our security operations for the safety of our animals which is a huge task given the size of UmPhafa.

“Even without any income or furlough, all our reserve staff have had their pay so they can survive during these harsh times and able to feed their family.”

Dr Tropeano says he hopes there is “daylight at the end of the tunnel” as infection rates fall.

He hopes the zoo will be able to reopen in March or April if lockdown ends.

Dr Tropeano said: “Please come along but understand there will be limits to the number of visitors we can allow in at one time, so please also be patient and understanding.

"Since the pandemic started there has been so much support, messages, letters and emails received.

"We will remember this period as a period that has changed our lives, maybe our beliefs too, but it must also remind us of the kindness, the generosity, and even some heroism of many men and women.”

To find out more about donating to the zoo visit www.colchester-zoo.com/colchester-zoo-operating-fund.