ZOOPER DUPER
Which zoos are reopening on June 15 in the UK? From Chester to Colchester
BORIS Johnson has said that zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas are going to be allowed to reopen on Monday, June 15.
However, zoos and other outdoor attractions will need to take measures to social distance as we are still fighting coronavirus. Here's all we know about what you can expect.
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Which zoos are reopening on June 15?
Zoos have been struggling during coronavirus due to the sudden lack of ticket revenue.
Major zoos like Chester and London Zoo, which have been closed since around March 20, reported that their situation is dire and that they are weeks from closure.
It is not clear what will happen to the thousands of animals currently cared for by the zoos if they go under.
Chester Zoo spokesman Jamie Christon has welcomed the move.
He said: “We are delighted the government has seen sense, for our 35,000 animals, all our staff and for the two million people that visit us every year.
"We are not out of the woods yet, but we start the long road to recovery on Monday”
Most zoos will be reopening over the coming weeks as they get the social distancing equipment laid out, so make sure you check their website before you visit to be sure.
These zoos are reopening on June 15
Most zoos are aiming to reopen as soon as possible.
Those definitely reopening on Monday, June 15, are:
- Chester Zoo
- Whipsnade Zoo
- London Zoo
- Howletts
- Port Lympne Wild Animal Park
Zoos that are likely to open soon but have not confirmed it yet are:
- Colchester
- Dudley
- Marwell
- Bristol
- Blackpool
- Edinburgh (they're still waiting on the Scottish Government to give a green light)
- Paignton
- Twycross
- Chessington (planning a July 4 return)
When will zoos in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland reopen?
The rules for England are different to those in the rest of the UK.
It is not known exactly when and Wales will be reopening as they are under tighter lockdown restrictions than England and are operating under their independent governments.
Spokesperson for the British and Irish Association for Zoos and Aquariums, Andrew Hall, said: "Zoos and aquariums in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will still be facing significant challenges and we will be working hard to achieve positive outcomes in these nations."
What are the new rules for zoos?
Depending on their size, zoos will be taking special measures to ensure social distancing and coronavirus safety.
Closed-door attractions like reptiles and aquariums will likely remain closed for the time being in most zoos.
Many zoos will be open on a limited capacity - Chester is allowing in 3,000 visitors a day to start with, which is a fifth of its capacity.
Tickets will need to be purchased in advance to keep numbers in check.
Visitors will be flowed through admission in slow order to maintain distancing, same as most supermarkets.
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There will be “Welcome Teams” on site to make sure people adhere to social distancing guidelines to protect themselves and to screen anyone who may be infected.
Once you're in, there will be markers on the floor to outline the two metre distancing and new sanitisation stations as well as more hand washing basins throughout the zoos for visitors.
There will also be reduced touchpoints around the zoo site.
In terms of food and refreshments, outdoor food kiosks are allowed but indoor restaurants are not going to be open.
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