A ZOO that feared it wasn't going to survive the pandemic has welcomed a massive surge in adoptions.

June saw a record 400 adoptions take place for Welsh Mountain Zoo animals with the most popular being Red Pandas, Humboldt Penguins and Snow Leopards.

However, some zoo residents are sadly still without adoptive parents including the Waterfowl, Central Asian tortoise, Greater Rhea and Kalij Pheasant, whilst others only have one or two adopters such as the Swamp Wallaby, Striated Caracara and even the Darwin Rhea, who have hatched and reared their first chick.

Marcia Azevedo Moreira, marketing manager at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: "It’s been wonderful to see how adoptions have soared during our period of closure. People have really rooted for us and rallied behind us in so many different ways, including adoptions.

"Whilst we are now fully operational once again, we are running at 50 per cent capacity and this, coupled with the lost revenue of approximately four months, has created a financial black hole that we are desperately trying to plug.

“We would urge supporters and friends of the zoo to consider adoption for themselves or perhaps as a gift to others. Not only will an adoption help us and our animals during this difficult time but offers something unique, worthwhile and special for the adoptee.”

"All of our zoo parents play an important role in assistance for wildlife and conservation through their support," Marcia added.

"In addition to this, they gain a new member of the family and make a new friend."

The zoo reopened to the public on Monday, July 13.

A number of new measures have been put in place including pre-booking and floor markings. Visit www.welshmountainzoo.org/conservation/animal-adoption