MARWELL Zoo, one of Hampshire's biggest tourist attractions could be forced out of business because of a financial crisis caused by foot-and-mouth disease.

Bosses at Marwell near Winchester, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, will run out of money within about two months if it remains closed to the public.

Mark Edgerley, its chief executive, admitted it faces the most serious threat in its 30-year history.

Permanent closure would wreck crucial conservation work saving endangered species such as rhinos, lemurs, tigers and antelope.

Recognising the depth of the crisis, the 100 staff agreed yesterday to take a voluntary 20 per cent pay cut to help keep the park afloat.

Marwell, which has daily costs of £7,500, was forced to shut on February 28 and has a contingency fund of £500,000.

More than 60 per cent of staff at the zoo earn less than £10,000 a year, but all have offered their full support, said Mr Edgerley.

He said: "We cannot just shut a zoo like a hotel, and we cannot reduce our costs below £5,000 a day as we have to employ staff to look after the animals. If we are closed for three months then we will really start to struggle.

"We are a charity but we are also a business and are covered by the rules of business and that means we cannot trade if we are insolvent."

Any donations should be sent to Marwell Zoological Park, Colden Common, Winchester, Hamp-shire, SO21 1JH.