Help Save Cookham Zoo

Please take a moment to read our update on Cookham Zoo.

After 17 lengthy and frustrating months with countless excuses and delays and zero support received, the local authorities have refused our zoo license based on planning permission (which has been submitted already) and insufficient fencing/hand washing facilities amongst other debunked claims.

The local authority has found no evidence to support their claims that we do not meet the standards of a zoo and have persistently been proven wrong with legislation on numerous occasions by experts in the field and our team here at the zoo. The planning team have confirmed twice that they have no objection to us operating the zoo. However, this was not accepted by the licensing department.

Although we accept like all zoos we have room for improvement we only have one way of doing so which is through the vital income from our visitors. 80% of our animals are rescues, They are now all at risk of being taken from their home and caregivers at the zoo and either placed in holdings or destroyed. Our beautiful Caracal cats are set to be the first to be unlawfully put to death or best case put in a holding by the local authorities with no grounds to do so under any law or regulation, both cats are already licensed by the local authority under the DWA Act. This is just one of the many unreasonable and unnecessary measures that have been imposed on us. Our two cats have extremely complex needs and have built very important bonds with their keepers who are all devastated and distraught with the news that we are facing this challenge.

Sadly we are now calling for all the support we can get as we have had our revenue cut off, however, we still have 72 lives in our hands who depend on us to feed and care for them.

We need to raise vital funds to keep the heating on, to feed the animals and to continue the necessary veterinary care for the zoo’s inhabitants. We also need veg, fruit, and other food items, hay and straw, kitchen supplies etc. If you can donate food/supplies directly to the zoo please pop us a message, alternatively please find our GoFundMe page in our bio, all funds raised are gratefully appreciated.

We are fighting to save the zoo, the future is uncertain but we will keep moving forward.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas