Wales’ only rainforest is facing closure due to budget cuts within City and County of Swansea, despite it being earmarked for a funding boost of £1m last year.
Plans had been drawn up to expand the facility and extend the opportunities and activities available. However, a decision made by the last cabinet leader means that this funding has been reallocated.
Plantasia will celebrate its 25th anniversary next month. It attracts more than 80,000 visitors each year and is a popular school trip destination that provides educational opportunities for around 10,000 children and young people a year.
It is home to a huge number of plants and animals including spiders, monkeys, snakes and reptiles, some of which are endangered. If this popular attraction closes the animals would either be put down or face being moved.
A petition to keep Plantasia open has already received more than 3000 signatures. More details about this petition can be found at http://tinyurl.com/kg4rty5
A UNISON spokesperson said:
“Plantasia is a fantastic educational resource and is a real asset to Swansea. If it closes it would be lost forever and that would be a terrible loss for people not only in this area, but also for miles around.
“Where else in Wales do you have the chanve to get up close and personal with endangered species like Cotton Top Tamarin monkeys and Egyptian tortoises?
“We’re calling on councillors to keep Plantastia open and protect the jobs of the 10 members of staff who work there.
“We’re also asking people to support the campaign by signing up to the petition, which has already received thousands of signatures.”
