More than 30 wild animals, including an endangered Siberian tiger, African lions and brown bears are starving in a debt-ridden zoo in China.

Kuytun City Zoo is facing a financial crisis as few people visit the northern outback of Xinjiang in the winter, when the temperature falls below zero even at midday.

Life is particularly tough for the 30 wild animals and birds who suffer cold and hunger, zoo managers have said. The zoo has had difficulties in making ends meet shortly after it opened to the public in May 2005.

Located in the outlying far north of the coutry, the zoo is largely unfrequented for eight months of the year. Even in the best of season in summer and early autumn, it receives no more than 50 visitors on a week day. Entry costs only 10 yuan (about £0.65). The zoo's ticket revenues often fall short of its operating costs as the animals' food alone costs at least 15,000 yuan (£975) a month.

Recently, a newly opened supermarket in Kuytun donated 2,000 yuan (£130) worth of chicken, beef and mutton to the zoo.