A gesture by a Derwent Valley farmer on Monday has lifted the spirits of Tasmania Zoo owner Rochelle Penney.
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Cattle farmers Tom and Stacey Shoobridge, of Ouse, donated a number of cattle to the Zoo and organised a load of straw to be used for bedding.
Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania
It comes as Tasmania Zoo faces the biggest battle of its 17-year history after having to shut its doors to visitors because of the coronavirus.
Ms Penney, the daughter of founder Dick Warren, says there is no income but 1500 mouths to feed which costs about $2500 a week.
"I have never experienced anything like this before," Ms Penney said.
"These guys have never even been to the Zoo before, they are just beautiful people with a love of animals."
Mr Shoobridge contacted Ms Penney after former Seven Tasmania newsreader Jo Palmer put out a call for help on Facebook.
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Ms Penney said the Zoo needs a tonne of meat a week to feed animals such as Sumatran Tiger, African Painted Dogs and Tasmanian Devils along with a powder protein supplement.
There is also expensive specialty feed for monkeys, leafeater pellets for primates, pellets for marmosets and a mash for Red Pandas.
"My [seven] staff are amazing too they are all volunteering their time because they just care about the animals," she said.
Woolworths and Coles have also contributed fruit and vegetables over past 17 years.
"Locals have also been amazing with donations of food and cash," she said
She said the closing the doors meant there was no cash flow from visitors.
"My concern is how long we are going to be in this situation for with it looking like their will not be a tourism industry until next year," she said.
"To get support is why we started a GoFundMe page."
"I've go to think about the money I do have at the moment with no more coming in,"
"If I just keep buying this and that and spending all this money on feed and not ask for help I'm going to be in dire straits."
She said lack of cash would make it difficult to buy medication or vet services.
A state government spokeswoman said it was aware that the COVID-19 situation had had a particular impact on wildlife parks
"The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment [the department] has dedicated an officer to coordinate support to Wildlife Exhibition Licence holders," she said.
"The support coordinator is tasked with communicating directly with individual licenced wildlife park and zoo operators about specific issues arising from COVID-19 measures with a focus on maintaining captive animal health and welfare," the spokeswoman said.
The Tasmanian Government has announced a $985 million Social and Economic Support Package to support small business.
It comprises a Small Business Emergency Grants program, Small Business Interest Free Loan Scheme, and Small Business Hardship Grants.
"The support coordinator is also approaching Tasmanian food processors about their ability to donate material likely to be suitable for captive animal feed and will start putting zoo and wildlife park operators in contact with those businesses so that more detailed discussions can occur," the spokeswoman said.