The privately run Kuytun City Zoo faces a financial crisis as very few people visit the northern outback of Xinjiang in the bitter winter, when the mercury falls below zero.

Life is particularly tough for Siberian tiger San Mao, African lion Dong Dong, brown bear Tian Tian, and 30 other wild animals and birds who suffer cold and hunger, zoo managers said yesterday.

The zoo's difficulties in making ends meet began shortly after it opened to the public in May 2005.

Based in the outlying Kazak Autonomous Prefecture of Ili in the far north, the zoo attracts barely any visitors for eight months of the year. Even in the prime time for traveling in summer and early autumn, it receives no more than 50 people on a weekday. Entry costs only 10 yuan (US$1.3).

The zoo's ticket revenues often fall short of its operating costs as the animals' food alone costs at least 15,000 yuan a month.

This week, a newly opened supermarket in Kuytun donated 2,000 yuan worth of chicken, beef and mutton.