Bristol Zoo and Wild Place announce plans to reopen
Posted on: 10 Jun 2020Bristol Zoo Gardens has said it expects to reopen the Wild Place Project, followed by Bristol Zoo, soon.
Bristol Zoo Gardens have released a statement today (Wednesday 10 June) confirming that they have started planning how and when to reopen, and will announce an expected opening date soon.
The news comes following last night's announcement from the government that zoos and safari parks could begin welcoming visitors from next week.
The government u-turn comes as a result of public pressure and extensive lobbying on behalf of zoological organisations across the country.
Bristol Zoo Gardens has said it has started the planning process to reopen, and will be taking a phased approach to reopening.
With approximately 50 acres of the park accessible to visitors, the Wild Place Project in BS10 will be the first to open, followed by Bristol Zoo.
Bristol Zoological Society are currently awaiting further guidance from the government, with new information expected today and more to follow on Saturday 13 June.
To ensure a safe operation, the Bristol Zoo Gardens team have been working behind the scenes to put new hand-washing and cleaning regimes in place, as well as a new one-way walking route, timed ticketing system and working guidelines for staff.
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Closed to the public since late March due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Bristol Zoo Gardens has appealed for support and donations.
In an update released on Facebook earlier today, the Bristol Zoo Gardens team explained that while they're pleased to think they can reopen soon, the impact of COVID-19 has left them facing an uncertain future.
"Despite the news that zoos can plan to reopen, we are certainly not ‘out of the water’ and we are taking every day, very much, one step at a time," the post reads.
"We have been closed for 3 months, and with 85% of our income coming from our visitors and Members, this has had a devastating effect on our resources – this is money we depend on to fund our conservation projects at home in the UK and overseas.
"There is no doubt that we will continue to feel the impact for months, if not years to come. We still need your support to ensure a healthy future for Bristol Zoological Society."
Bristol Zoological society have launched a Virgin Giving fundraiser for the public to contribute in the coming weeks.
For more information, to plan a visit or to find out how you can support the zoo, visit their website or check out their Facebook page.
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