UK zoo fears it may not survive virus shutdown

A British zoo has warned it could have to put down some of animals in its care, as it's running out of money because of coronavirus pandemic.

Ben Mee, owner of Dartmouth Zoo in southwest England, said destroying animals was very worst-case scenario.

But he said it might be necessary if zoo has to close, and if it can't find new homes for lions, tigers and or animals that live re.

''We need funds for people coming through door in order to pay for his food, for his vet bills and for keepers who look after him", said Mee as he fed a rare Amur Siberian tiger.

Dartmouth Zoo is a registered charity, like many across UK, and has currently 250 animals living in it.

Coral Jonas, zoo deputy chief executive, said y would do everything possible to avoid having to put animals down.

''We'd have to look at euthanasia which absolutely cant happen as far as we're concerned, and something we'll work very hard t to be end result'', she said.

For most people, new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older ults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and could le to death.