Operational costs not met by visitation revenue amid COVID-19 restrictions is causing increasing financial pressure.

Zoos in regional areas are in urgent need of assistance, according to Port Macquarie's Billabong Zoo owner Mark Stone.

Billabong houses more than 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds and temporarily closed in line with government regulations on March 26. It is one of only three zoos in Australasia which houses snow leopards.

"We're in a different situation to other businesses that can shut their doors and there's no running costs. It's business as usual inside the zoo and for the animals nothing has changed," Mr Stone said.

"You still have all the feeding, cleaning, lighting, heating and other costs that go with caring for the animals.

"We have been in talks with the NSW Department of Primary Industry. The general feeling with many zoos is that we all have roughly the same time frame before we run out of money. Hopefully the government can kick the tin before that happens.

"Certainly none of us can last the six months that are predicted it will last for. We have already seen that happen with On The Perch Bird Park closing in Tathra."

On the Perch Bird Park in Tathra, NSW, officially closed on February 14 after more than four and a half years and almost 75,000 visitors.

Mr Stone said animal welfare is always of paramount importance and zoos that shutdown will need to move animals to other registered parks.

"The most important thing is that all the animals are being looked after - looked after just as much as if the doors were open," he said.

"We need to make sure we have a plan in place for assistance until such time as we can stand up on our own feet again.

"The drama is that all the zoos are in the same boat, that's why it's so critical that government help now before zoos are unable to assist each other."

Three African lion cubs were born at Billabong Zoo in March and the park welcomed a pair of cotton-top tamarin monkeys in January.

Mr Stone said Billabong has applied for government funding and assistance, is creating a donation button on their website and allows virtual adoption of koalas.

He estimates operating costs will be 'considerable' and likely near $1 million dollars over the next six month period.

"In 41 years of the industry I've never seen anything like this," Mr Stone said.

"If the Billabong ever had to shutdown unfortunately it would never reopen. That's the hard truth of the matter and if there is support such as sponsorship available, now is the time."

Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan said he and his team have been in discussion with Billabong Zoo and local businesses in the area.

"Our focus is working hard to support the community during this difficult time of the coronavirus pandemic and several assistance packages have been enacted to support local businesses," Mr Conaghan siad.

"I've reached out to the Environment Minister Sussan Ley's office to help in these very unusual times.

"Federal Government assistance for businesses includes the $130 billion JobKeeper payment, a cash flow boost of at least $20,000 and up to $100,000 with payments equal to 100 per cent of businesses' and not-for-profits' salary and wages withheld.

"Loan guarantees so businesses can get working capital and the re-launched Bushfire Affected Small Business Rebuild package with a $10,000 grant to assist significantly-impacted small businesses in local government areas including Port Macquarie-Hastings."

Taronga Conservation Society Australia spokeswoman Kiah Wilson said zoos like Taronga are in a difficult situation.

"As you can imagine this is a difficult time for everyone and like any business Taronga is having to adapt," she said.

"However, we are well supported by our government and community and remain committed and focused on our goals to promote a shared future for wildlife and people."