This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
July 9, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has put the world's oldest zoological society, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), at risk of extinction, according to a warning from naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough.
Founded in 1826, the ZSL runs both London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo and supports conservation projects in over 50 countries. However, the zoos have been severely impacted by the pandemic, with visitor numbers restricted due to social distancing guidelines.
Attenborough, 94, praised the ZSL's 'outstanding contribution to conservation and to our understanding of wildlife' and warned that the institution is now at risk of extinction. 'Without your help, we could see the closure of the world's oldest scientific zoo,' he said in a campaign appeal video.
According to ZSL director general Dominic Jermey, the closure of the zoos has put the organization under immense financial pressure. 'As well as educating and inspiring millions of people to make a difference for wildlife, we're at the forefront of research to understand how diseases such as coronaviruses transfer from wildlife to humans,' he said.
London Zoo had 1,133,952 visitors in 2018, making it the 28th most popular British visitor attraction, while Whipsnade received 608,416 visitors in the same year.
