THE OWNERS of a Borth zoo, who last week won a temporary reprieve from moves to wind the company up, have explained the financial pressures which have led to them owing £350,000 to creditors.

A petition at London’s High Court by creditors to wind up Borth Wild Animal Kingdom was adjourned by a top insolvency judge two weeks ago.

The zoo, which in a separate hearing in Aberystwyth won the right to keep dangerous wild animals again following the death of two lynx, was granted a reprieve for 42 days by Chief Registrar Judge Nicholas Briggs at the Insolvency and Companies Court.

Owners Tracy and Dean Tweedy said in a statement: ”Due to the zoo’s lengthy closure by the council following the lynx escape we regrettably have experienced financial difficulties.

“The sum of £350,000 actually includes the loan obtained to purchase the property and the money directors have used from personal funds to keep the zoo running which makes up nearly 85 per cent of that figure. None of these debts are actually included in the CVA proposal.

“Now we are open and the summer is here we are in a much healthier position and with careful budgeting we will come out of these difficulties.

“We will continue to support the zoo financially until such time that it can support itself as the animals’ welfare is paramount. We have never taken an income from the zoo and have always intended that any profits will be put back into the zoo for the much-needed repairs and renovations."

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