Dublin Zoo Welcomes the Announcement of Government Funding

Dublin Zoo welcomes the announcement from Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD and Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan TD, of €3million in Government funding for Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park. This financial support will allow Dublin Zoo to re-commence work on some essential capital projects, including the construction of world-class habitats for some of our most endangered species. Commenting on the announcement, Dr Christoph Schwitzer, Director of 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. “Dublin Zoo is very grateful to the Irish Government, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. We would also like to thank our local TDs and other political representatives who have been unwavering in their support. “Finally, a very special word of thanks to the Irish public for the phenomenal and generous support shown in what has been a uniquely challenging and difficult time for Dublin Zoo. The outpouring of support truly overwhelmed the team and we will be forever grateful to the people of Ireland for helping Dublin Zoo when we needed it most.  We will always be appreciative for the generous response to our financial predicament. “We are hopeful that restrictions will lift in 2021, allowing us to welcome stronger visitor numbers once again”.