Port Lympne and Howletts wild animal parks are facing an "unprecedented crisis" as they struggle to fund their enormous £1.5m food bill during the coronavirus lockdown.

After being left with no choice but to temporarily close, bosses are now making a direct appeal to the public for cash and food donations.

Managing director Tony Kelly said: “It is critical to us that we continue to generate income.

"It costs us £1.5 million per year just to feed our animals.

"Without the continued support of our guests, visitors and members, we are facing an unprecedented crisis.”

The coronavirus lockdown has cut off vital income from visitors which the parks rely on to care for more than 1,300 rare and endangered animals.

Some keepers are even living on site at Howletts, near Canterbury, and Port Lympne, near Hythe, in order to look after the animals.

Park bosses say keepers and vets are continuing to self-distance, with extra cleaning regimes in place. They have also been provided with thermometers so temperature checks can be performed for all the animal teams daily.

Meanwhile, keepers are handling primates and apes with particular care as experts believe they could be susceptible to Covid-19 because of how similar they are to us.

Although this is "a difficult time for all families", Mr Kelly is asking the public to consider donating to the park's Animal Support Fund.

"Any donation, no matter how small, will help us to feed and look after our animals," he added.

"Your support is critical, now more than ever. On behalf of all the team, I would like to thank you for your exceptional support during this challenging time.”

The public can also support the animals by donating any of the following items via their Amazon Wish List: porridge, herbal tea, nuts and seeds, fresh meat or fish, honey and nut butters.

Income from Port Lympne and Howletts also goes towards the Aspinall Foundation, which is KentOnline's charity of the year.

The conservation charity rescues rare and endangered species, both in the UK and overseas.

To find out more about donating to the animal parks, click here.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

Read more: All the latest news from Hythe