Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has joined forces with fellow MPs to put pressure on the Welsh Government to provide a support package for zoos and aquariums which are struggling amid the current pandemic.
James, who last week wrote to the Welsh Finance Minister highlighting the plight of zoos and aquariums and urging her to provide a fund to help them, has this week sent a joint letter with fellow MPs Virginia Crosbie, Rt Hon David Jones and Fay Jones, to the First Minister, reiterating the need for urgent action.
James said:
“The UK Government has put in place a ‘welfare grant’ of up to £100,000 for zoos and aquariums in England during the Covid-19 pandemic and It is very concerning that the Welsh Government has so far refused to replicate this scheme.
“I have had ongoing communication with the Director of Rhyl’s SeaQuarium, Colette Macdonald, who is clearly very concerned about how the SeaQuarium will survive this pandemic without a specific support package, and last week I wrote to the Welsh Government calling for them to urgently address this.
“This week, I have sent a joint letter with fellow MPs Virginia Crosbie, Rt Hon David Jones and Fay Jones, to the First Minister, emphasising the plight of zoos and aquariums in our constituencies and again calling for a zoos and aquariums fund in Wales.
“Zoos and aquariums are undertaking valuable work at this time to ensure that their animal welfare standards are upheld, and the animals’ health needs continue to be met. As with other animal attractions, SeaQuarium still faces the ongoing costs of maintaining the facility and providing for the animals during the coronavirus pandemic. These include payments for feed, heating and security. There is currently little option for income generation.
“Rhyl SeaQuarium is an important tourist attraction which provides valuable local jobs and it is vital that it, and all other zoos and aquariums in Wales, is supported and remains in a position to protect the welfare of animals on site.”
