Medway’s popular pub zoo is to begin charging people to see the animals.

The Fenn Bell Inn, St Mary Hoo, has introduced a £2 per person fee.

It comes after attempts to raise money through fundraising didn’t pan out.

Owners Andy and Kelly Cowell have raised £5,000 to expand the business.

The couple have always felt very strongly about not charging admission. But they say they now have to to secure its future.

He said: “We’re not here to earn money. We want to produce something that kids can enjoy, something that will go on for years.”

The charge also follows the loss of a sponsor who was set to help bring five black and white lemurs to the zoo.

The Cowells already have one lemur, Uncle Ted, who was bullied out of his family at a young age.

They had hoped the new ones would have been companions for him.