Dublin Zoo should be able to stay open until next spring, following a successful fundraiser last week.
The Save Dublin Zoo campaign received €1.1 million in government funding, on top of over €2 million in donations from the public.
After launching the #SaveDublinZoo fundraising campaign last Wednesday, the response so far has been overwhelming. Thank you so much to everyone that has supported us already.
We are delighted to announce that companies can now donate to Dublin Zoo via the @benevity platform. pic.twitter.com/TfQsxuIpTI
— Dublin Zoo (@DublinZoo) November 23, 2020
The restrictions on visitors attending the zoo and the high cost of maintaining its 400 animals left staff fearing it may be forced to close its gates permanently.
Sign in Dublin Zoo #SaveDublinZoo https://t.co/FKVFdSonXB pic.twitter.com/s9xSsBu5ed
— RareIrishStuff (@RareIrishStuff) November 20, 2020
Brendan Walsh, a zoo keeper in Dublin, says the public's support should help the zoo survive into 2021.
"We're okay until mid to late spring," he said.
"Hopefully donations keep coming in and then we can open up properly."
Mr Walsh said while they could open for some of the summer months revenue was still down.
"We had half our normal visitation per day to allow social distancing."
By spring, Brendan hopes the zoo can start to generate its own income again.
