The National Zoo and Aquarium says it has yet to canvass the idea of selling up, despite Chief Minister Andrew Barr declaring the territory would consider taking a stake in the attraction to help it survive the coronavirus shutdown.
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Mr Barr last week said the ACT government might need to consider the financial intervention if it was necessary to keep the zoo afloat and its animals cared for.
The zoo, like so many tourist attractions, have been forced to temporarily shut its doors due to measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Mr Barr said the ACT didn't intend to take full stake in the business and was hopeful the various lifelines put forward by the federal and territory governments in recent weeks would mean the drastic step wouldn't have to be taken.
But he warned that not every business would survive the coming months.
"We need to be honest with people about that. But whatever we possibly can do within reason, we will do," he said during question time in the ACT Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
In a statement, the zoo said it had held preliminary discussions with Mr Barr's office and department about what help might be available.
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There had been no consideration of a potential sale, according to the statement.
The zoo said the animals were still receiving the same high level of care that they had always been given.
"But we need to ensure that we can continue to maintain that for as long as is necessary," it said.
"The zoo's owners and staff are relieved that they have support of the Chief Minister and his government and thank them for their assurances."
In his own statement, Mr Barr repeated that the ACT government would "do whatever it takes" to ensure the zoo and other local tourist attractions survived the "decimation" of the tourism sector brought on by the pandemic.
"The National Zoo and Aquarium is one of Canberra's most treasured tourism attractions," Mr Barr said in the statement.
"Like the rest of the industry they have been exponentially effected, first by the smoke, then the hail and now by COVID-19.
"Due to being required to close the zoo has lost all of its revenue, but still has significant costs associated with providing care for the animals. The ACT government is working with the zoo to ensure they have the adequate means to undertake this care, and also keep as many Canberrans as possible in jobs."
Mr Barr said the zoo would be eligible for payroll tax and commercial rates waivers under the ACT government's economic support package.
Staff might also be able to access the commonwealth's $1500 per fortnight JobKeeper payment, which is set to be legislated in Federal Parliament on Wednesday.
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