A DEESIDE-BASED business has continued to make generous moves to help a struggling zoo.

Chester Zoo previously announced it was facing huge debts as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and pleaded with the public for help.

Many people across the country have leapt on the animal adoption scheme that the popular zoo offers, to support the animals during these financial difficulties – including the frozen food store Iceland.

The Leader previously reported that Iceland Foods, based in Deeside, adopted the zoo's entire penguin population in a bid to alleviate the financial gain.

They welcomed a total of 45 penguins to their Iceland family. The frozen food retailer also agreed to lobby UK government on the zoo’s behalf, to allow them to reopen with strict social distancing guidance in place.

The supermarket chain has not stopped there.

Staff in individual stores across the UK have been rallying together to adopt even more animals to their ever-growing family.

The store in Chester is backing their local zoo with the adoption of the reticulated python, chosen to represent their store.

Colleen Dawson, who works at the Chester store, said: "We decided to pick a snake because we wanted to adopt something that wasn't as loved as the fluffy, cute ones. Plus, we know Chester now only has one python."

Gwersyllt also jumped at the chance to adopt an animal at the zoo as they welcomed the giraffe.

Richard Walker, managing director for Iceland Foods, said: "Fantastic news that Chester Zoo will soon be able to open.

"Since Iceland Foods adopted the Humboldt penguins, our amazing colleagues across many of our stores have adopted even more animals - perhaps we could open a zoo of our own.

"Well done to all involved."

A spokesman for Chester Zoo took to social media to reveal the good news that the zoo has been given the green light to open from Jun 15.

They added: "You did it. A week ago we were in despair, not knowing when we would reopen, or if we could even survive much longer. But your voices have been heard.

"We have just received the news that we’ll be able to open safely from 15 June.

"Your support has been incredible. Every kind donation, every word of support. It really is making a huge difference.

"The fight isn’t over for us just yet. But, for now, we want to celebrate this huge moment of relief with you.

"There’s no denying that we have suffered severe financial damage over the past three months and the road to recovery will be long and uncertain. But, your incredibly kind donations, animal adoptions and memberships are giving us a vital lifeline.

£Over the next few days we’ll be letting you know when and how you’ll be able to book a ticket to visit. Please bear with us while we do this.

"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. You are saving our zoo."