A group of caring zookeepers has moved in at the zoo where they work in order to be there for the animals during the coronavirus pandemic.
According to caretakers Sarah-Jane Jelbart, Izzy Saralis-Wheatley, and Emily Foden, they have self-isolated with the animals to make sure they always get what they need despite the doors of the zoo being closed to the public due to lockdown.
As the trio explained, they decided to temporarily move into Paradise Park in Cornwall and live there in order to ensure their animals get the care they need.
“About five days ago, we started thinking about what we could do. We were worried that if some of the keepers become ill themselves or can’t work because a family member is showing symptoms, then we needed a plan to make sure the animals are still cared for,” 20-year-old Izzy said according to The Sun report.
“By removing ourselves from our families, we will hopefully be at less risk and continue working.”
While the decision to leave their families for an indefinite period of time probably wasn’t easy, the selfless zookeepers did everything in their power to make sure the animals won’t suffer amid the pandemic.
“It’s the first time we have closed our doors other than for Christmas Day in 46 years,” Alison Hales, the zoo’s director, explained.
“The shop, cafe and indoor play areas are silent but the birds are full of the joys of spring and the keepers have their hands very full.
“The timing is terrible for wildlife parks, which rely on visitors to run, and would usually put on special events for Easter. We are looking into the offers of help from the Government and concentrating on our conservation work on the meantime.”
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Replaced!