A FANTASTIC £2 million has now been raised for Chester Zoo in just over 72 hours.

Bosses launched the Save Our Zoo campaign on Wednesday and revealed the attraction was “at risk of extinction” and could end the year £24 million in debt as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

But following the launch of its Save Our Zoo appeal, more than £2 million has been raised in just over 72 hours, with more than 100,000 separate donations.

Social distancing measures have been put in place at the 128-acre site but the Government has proven to be a stumbling block.

A change to the Government's coronavirus legislation this week now specifically bans zoos, aquariums, safari parks and other attractions such as theme parks from reopening.

Previously such places were not mentioned in the regulations, giving hope that some of these venues could be reopened with safe social distancing measures.

Chester Zoo was not told of the regulation change in advance of the announcement last Sunday.

Questioned about the zoos crisis in Friday's Government press conference, Health Secretary Matt Hancock expressed fondness for Chester Zoo and said he hoped zoos could reopen when it was safe to do so, but did not give any indication when that could be.

A Parliamentary debate on the zoos crisis will be held on June 11 following a huge public outcry, with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) urging people to write to their MPs about the crisis facing both zoos and aquariums.

Local MPs and Cheshire West and Chester Council leader have written to the Government calling for an urgent review of the legislation and for Chester Zoo to be reopened.

Local Tory MPs and councillors have also lobbied for Chester Zoo - which normally welcomes more than two million visitors a year - to open its doors safely to the public once more.