Scottish Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare Fund Launched

Zoos and aquariums in Scotland experiencing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus can apply for a loan or grant to pay for three months of animal care costs.

This Scottish Government fund is in place to protect the welfare of animals living on site or by rehoming, and is intended as emergency funding for zoos and aquariums that have already taken up other forms of government and non-government support.

Interest-free unsecured loans are the primary support mechanism and will be made available to any zoo or aquarium that meets the criteria. Grants, of up to £100,000, will only be available when loan support would not be viable. This is considered to be the case where a zoo or aquarium has 12 weeks or less operating costs remaining, including any loan or overdraft facilities.

A loan or grant can be used to cover costs such as:

Keepers’ salaries.

Animal feed and bedding.

Electricity and gas bills.

Veterinary care and medicines.

Animal enrichment materials.

Essential maintenance of animal housing/enclosures.

Waste removal.

Insurance (public liability, building damage).

Other animal care related costs (at the discretion on explanation of need).

For those planning on closing or downsizing, grants can be used to help cover costs associated with rehoming animals, such as crating and transport and keeper/veterinary staff time.

Applications can be made at any time.

More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news and policy. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.