CHESTER ZOO has said its new enforced closure as a result of the third coronavirus lockdown is "a big worry" as it faces renewed financial pressures.

The award-winning visitor attraction receives the vast majority of its income through its visitors, of which there would normally be about two million in a normal, Covid-free year.

But due to soaring Covid infection rates across the UK, the zoo has had to close in line with lockdown regulations, having previously been able to stay open in Tier 4 of the Government regulations.

In a statement posted on social media, the zoo said: "In line with the government’s new national lockdown measures and stay at home advice, we’re closing our gates once again from now until further notice.

"This is not the way that any of us wanted to welcome in the new year but it’s something we must do, and hopefully for the final time.

"Visitor income is our lifeblood and facing up to another extended period without it, coupled with all of the uncertainty attached to this pandemic is, undeniably, a big worry to us.

"This is particularly the case given there is still no sign of any tailored-government support funding for large charity zoos like ours and the vital conservation and education work we do.

"But, we’re going to try our very best to remain positive. We all need to feel some happiness right now."

The zoo is calling on visitors to share stories of time spent at the zoo and the ways in which people have been supporting it.

People can continue to support the zoo by donating a one-off amount at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ChesterZooFuture or set up a monthly donation at https://www.chesterzoo.org/what-you-can-do/donate/ .

People can also visit the Chester Zoo website to find out how to become a member or adopt an animal or visit the new online gift shop.

People with pre-booked tickets or zoo membership will be contacted via email to discuss their options, which include compensation or donating the fee to the zoo to help them "during this really difficult time".

Last year the Government announced a £100 million fund to save the UK's zoos and aquariums.

But with the criteria being so limited, zoos like Chester have been unable to claim a penny of support from that fund.

Some staff have been placed on furlough while the zoo also announced job losses last year, but the zoo still faces a huge monthly bill to look after all the wildlife and plants.