It has been announced this morning, Monday 15th June, that Living Coasts in Torquay will not be reopened.
The sad news came after its temporary closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A spokespersonfor Living Coasts said on Facebook this morning: “It is with regret that we have to announce that Living Coasts will not be re-opening as a visitor attraction following closure during the current global coronavirus pandemic.
“Please visit our website for more information, including information about annual passes, advance tickets, adoptions, experiences and more: www.livingcoasts.org.uk.”
Paignton Zoo remains closed at present but will reopen.
In an online statement, a spokesperson for Living Coasts said: “It is with regret that Wild Planet Trust has to announce that it will not be re-opening Living Coasts as a visitor attraction following its closure during the current global coronavirus pandemic. Falling visitor numbers and the forced closure of all its zoos due to COVID-19 has meant that it has had to look at its cost base and make efficiencies. After nearly twenty years of operation the site also needed substantial maintenance that the Trust is no longer in a position to afford.
“The next stage is to find homes for the animals. Living Coasts is part of a world-wide network of zoos and aquariums and we will be looking for homes for the animals within them once movement restrictions have been lifted. Most of the animals kept at Living Coasts are marine species that will need specialist facilities. Living Coast is confident that good new homes for the animals will be found, but at present it is unclear how long this process may take.
“All 44 staff at Living Coasts have been placed at risk of redundancy. This will be considered within the context of the wider restructuring of the Trust’s zoos, and potential redundancies at their other sites (Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo).
Wild Planet Trust would like to thank the many people who have visited and supported Living Coasts over the years, and the many businesses, and grant giving trusts which have support our vital conservation work.”
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