A specialist reptile and exotic pets products supplier has offered a free support package for the nation’s zoos, including £250 worth of livefoods for the next four weeks.
A spokesman for Peregrine Livefoods said: “Unfortunately, unlike small businesses, zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks are unable to remain open and therefore have little to no income. “In many cases, they are not eligible for grants, and the majority of their workforce still has to continue to feed and look after their collections. ”
“To date, the Government has announced little to no support for this important sector we all hold dear to our hearts. Peregrine hopes this charitable donation will go some way to helping support zoos in feeding their collections at such a critical and unprecedented time in history.”
In the letter, the Essex-based wholesaler says: “With the country in lockdown, all non-essential businesses have been forced to close their doors. Thankfully pet stores are eligible for various government grants and schemes to help them through these troubling times, in addition to the lifeline of being able to stay open…
NATURE
“Zoos now more than ever need our support; they educate our nation, spark interest, preserve nature and actively contribute to global research that aids wild conservation. We simply would not have an industry without them.
“Peregrine Livefoods, the nation’s largest supplier of specialist reptile and exotic pet products, are therefore coming forward and offering an unprecedented level of support.”
As well as free locusts and silent brown crickets, the company is offering to work with zoos to come up with temporary support packages that could include marketing help, product discounts and extended payment schemes.
“Peregrine where possible will do all they can to offer as much support as reasonably possible throughout this crisis and have increased their livefood stocks significantly to help.”
