Following government guidance Dudley Zoo and Castle will close to visitors from Thursday which will leave the Castle Hill attraction facing a 'bleak winter'.

On Saturday evening, the Prime Minister announced that zoo's must close for at least four weeks, which could put many in a precarious position as it leaves them with a shortage of generated income, usually derived through ticket sales. Zoo Director, Derek Grove, said: 

"We understand this lockdown is necessary to protect the community around us. But, as per the previous closure, our animal care costs will continue to mount as zoo keepers ensure our exotic animal collection receive the very best possible day-to-day care.

"As a not-for-profit charity which relies on ticket sales, we’re hoping the public will continue to support us through these further troubling times and we have a number of ways people can donate to our ongoing conservation work. Plus, as we’ve also been unable to access the government’s £100 million 'Zoo Animals Fund', we’re facing a bleak winter". 

Supporters can donate online via a dedicated JustGiving page or by purchasing a 12 month animal adoption package. You can also donate by text message - there's more information at dudleyzoo.org.uk. Mr Grove continued:

"We hope we’ll be able to welcome visitors back to Dudley Zoo as soon as possible, but in the meantime, as before, we’ll continue to provide regular updates, photos and videos of our animals and zoo life on our social media pages and website."