Bosses at Howletts and Port Lympne say their animals will continue to be fed and cared for in these uncertain times thanks to vital £2 million loan from a bank.

The Aspinall Foundation, which runs both of the parks, was on an upward financial trajectory at the start of the year before lockdown came into action.

Both parks closed their gates in March, and they have since been appealing for donations from the public in order to meet hefty food and maintenance bills.

Now, however, the foundation - which is continuing to ask for donations - has secured a seven-figure coronavirus business interruption loan from Barclays.

The bank says without its support the popular parks' finances would have been run dry due to the complete loss of ticket and accommodation sales.

But thanks to the recently-acquired £2 million loan, cash flow will now be ensured until the end of July - and foundations will be laid for a "good year in 2021".

Tony Kelly, managing director at the animal charity, said: "We were determined not to let the Covid-19 pandemic get in the way of our mission.

"When cash flow ground to a halt in the most profitable season for our animal parks, we approached our relationship director for help, who was communicative and kept us well informed, most importantly delivering what we needed in the timescale promised.

"The £2 million loan will help make sure the 1,300 animals across both our sites still get fed and watered, and ensures that we can carry on paying our hard working animal keepers.

"Our main priority right now is making sure our precious animals get the care they need, and that the foundation can carry on repatriating them to the wild when this is all over."

Meanwhile, plans have been drawn up to reopen the parks "in the very near future".

Park bosses are confident social distancing rules can be adhered to by enforcing one-way routes around the sprawling attractions.

However, a date for reopening is yet to be confirmed.

Mike Saul, head of hospitality and leisure for Barclays corporate banking, said: “Barclays is absolutely committed to supporting all businesses through such unprecedented times and we understand the challenges they are facing.

"We are working closely with clients to provide the vital funding they need and we look forward to the park reopening its doors and helping Tony and the foundation continue on their upward trajectory from the start of the year."

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