Exotic pet and animal lovers are being asked to join an online fundraising challenge to help save the lives of zoo and aquarium livestock.
The campaign ‘#feedtheanimals – zoos in crisis’ is being launched by Peregrine Livefoods and industry leaders as an urgent call to help prevent possible euthanasia of exotic animals due to the funding crisis caused by covid-19.
Coronavirus has closed zoos, aquariums and exotics rehoming centres to visitors, meaning that fundraising opportunities have been cancelled and donations are in decline.
The specialist reptile and exotic pets products supplier Peregrine Livefoods has already stepped in to offer a free support package, including up to £250 worth of livefoods per week for the next four weeks, for affected centres. In addition, the government recently announced plans for zoo support funding via Defra, although details are yet to be made clear.
However the industry is still in crisis, with some exotic animals under threat of euthanisia if funding cannot be found in time.
Peregrine Livefoods says on its website: “Zoos and exotic animal sanctuaries have been hit hard during the coronavirus crisis. Several have told us that they will soon need to euthanise some of their animal due to the lack of funds and food. Without money for food, their animals will starve and no keeper would wish this suffering upon their animals.
“To feed all the animals in zoos, aquariums, shelters and wildlife parks across the UK we’ll need to raise funds for food. And we hope, we beg that you will help!”
The Exotic Keepers Fund has now been set up to help fill the gap by raising money to distribute to those centres most in need.
All participants need to do is to post a photo of themselves (or friends/family) feeding animals on social media, and tag it with #feedtheanimals. Then tag and invite five friends to do the same and donate £5 or whatever they can afford to the Exotic Keepers Fund.
Full details can be found at exoticskeeperfund.org
