Government has announced €3 million in funding for Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park today.
The funding will be divided between the two institutions, with €2 million going to Dublin Zoo and €1 million going to Fota Wildlife Park.
The figures will be included in the Office of Public Works (OPW) budget for 2021.
It's more good news for Dublin Zoo after it launched a fundraising campaign amid worries over its future due to a loss in revenue brought on by Covid-19 restrictions.
The campaign raised €1 million while the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage recently announced a €1.1 million Government fund for both Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife.
Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan said: “We all know that Covid has had a catastrophic effect on the income of Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park. Both institutions rely heavily on the income from gate receipts which provide the means to improve and develop facilities for both animal welfare and for visitors.
“I am delighted to be able to announce that the Office of Public Works will now be able to step in and provide much needed capital funding to ensure developments which have been commenced can be finalised as planned over the coming years.”
Commenting on the announcement, Dr Christoph Schwitzer, director, Dublin Zoo said “I would like to thank Minister O’Donovan and the OPW for making this funding available, after what has been a challenging year for Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park due to Covid-19.
"This essential financial support will allow us to re-commence vital work on capital projects, including the construction of world class habitats for some of our most endangered species.”
