Cheshire Conservative MPs gain Government re-assurance over Chester Zoo’s future

A Government Minister has given an absolute reassurance to Cheshire Conservative MPs to do whatever it takes to secure the future of Chester Zoo.

During an urgent Sunday morning Zoom call with DEFRA Minister Zac Goldsmith, Warrington South MP Andy Carter pressed the Zoo Minister to give a guarantee on funding to ensure jobs are preserved and animal safety is assured. 

He was joined by Eddisbury MP, Edward Timpson, Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan and Esther McVey, the MP for Knutsford.

After the call, Mr Carter said he is confident that the right steps are being taken.

He said: “This is the positive news we’ve been looking for; we’ve been able to make the case that Chester Zoo’s future must be secured, and we’ve now had an absolute commitment from Government that they will do whatever it takes to deliver the support the zoo needs through the pandemic.

“On Friday we were able to engage fully with the zoo’s management team to understand what was needed. The minister made time to meet us on Sunday morning and we’ve been able to demonstrate the strength of local feeling 

“Chester Zoo is such an important part of life in the region, not only does it do incredible environmental and conservation work, it’s a very important part of the local economy supporting thousands of jobs.

“The minister has agreed to look at how the zoo can re-open as soon as possible in a safe and welcoming way for families, staff and of course the animals.  We’ve been able to explain how much space there is at the zoo so that social distancing can be maintained as well as highlighting the ways in which the zoo will adjust the visitor experience to make it Covid compliant”.

On the call Dr Mullan emphasised the strength of feeling across Cheshire for the leading wildlife charity.

He said: “Mr Goldsmith has committed to doing whatever it takes to support Chester Zoo through this pandemic and ensure the future of this fantastic place that so many of us have great memories of visiting.

“I wanted to make sure he knew both the strength of feeling amongst my constituents and across Cheshire of the pride people have in Chester Zoo and how important it is we make sure the government gets behind them. I hope the work the team has done to allow visiting can be recognised and a plan for reopening agreed as soon as possible.

“But whatever happens, the zoo will need financial support and Zac was clear this will be provided.

“But I also want to thank supporters of the zoo for the enormous generosity they have shown in response to their appeal. Whilst there have been ongoing talks on financial support, I hope this concrete commitment gives people the reassurance they need. Chester Zoo is going to get the support it needs.”

Simon Eardley, the Conservative Councillor for Saughall and Mollington said he also knows the strength of feeling about the zoo.

He said: "Earlier this week, knowing of his deep interest and concern for animal welfare and conservation matters, I wrote to Lord Goldsmith asking for his intervention on the challenges being faced by Chester Zoo at this time. With the majority of the zoo in my Saughall and Mollington ward, I know the strength of feeling out there to see its future secured. This commitment from a Government Minister is clear and unequivocal and proves that positive, constructive engagement gets results. It now just needs to happen quickly."

Upton Councillor Jill Houlbrook added: “On behalf of Upton residents I’m pleased to see the continuing commitment of our Members of Parliament to supporting the campaign to lift the restrictions which are preventing Chester Zoo reopening.

“The zoo headquarters and the iconic Oakfield House, home of George Mottershead and his family have been a central part of Upton since 1931 when the zoo opened on 10 June. The response to what Simon and I are doing locally is overwhelming. We are relying on the Government to swiftly make the right and proper decision. “