The zoo has 100,000 visitors a year

A council has decided to close a south London zoo, despite a number of celebrities backing a campaign to keep it open.

Wandsworth Council decided on Wednesday night to shut Battersea Park Zoo, which has been an attraction for half a century, because it is too expensive to run and it wants to see an Eden-style project in its place.

It will probably close in September despite supporters demonstrating outside the council meeting.

Thousands had signed a petition, including Bob Geldof, Danni Minogue, Elle MacPherson and Will Self, calling on the council to find the �1.4m needed to save the zoo, which has a range of exotic and domestic animals.

The council has blamed a �6m cut in government funding which has meant it cannot afford to bring the attraction in line with new EU zoo regulations.

One of its most popular activities is the contact area where there are supervised animal handling sessions.

About 100,000 people visit the zoo every year, but the council has plans to build glass pyramids on the site and convert it into an Eden-style project with a rain forest experience.

It could be open as early as 2005.

The council has said all the animals will be found safe, alternative homes.