UK zoo fears it may not survive virus shutdown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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