Paignton and Newquay Zoos to re-open
Wild Planet Trust is delighted to announce that we will re-open its zoos doors to guests shortly. Newquay Zoo will re-open on Monday 29th June and Paignton on Monday 6th July. We have been working hard over the last few weeks to ensure that the zoos are safe places to visit.
Things will be a little different when the zoos re-open, as there are lots of measures in place to ensure guests’ safety.
Both zoos will initially open to Annual Pass on the first two days, and will then re-open fully to everyone. The numbers of guests will be limited each day, and all guests will be required to book an entry time slot, including Annual Pass holders, before they visit. This can be done on-line through the websites – www.paigntonzoo.org.uk and www.newquayzoo.org.uk.
All of the indoor animal houses and indoor and outdoor play areas will, sadly, remain closed in order to comply with Government guidelines.
In addition, the following safety measures will be in place:
- Protective screening at contact points. This includes the admission desks, food outlets and shops
- Card payments are preferred
- Floor markings around the sites
- Hand sanitiser points around the zoos
- Regular cleaning will be carried out around the zoos
- Signage around the zoos to remind guests and staff of social distancing and handwashing guidelines
- Suggested one-way routes and lane markings around the sites
- No feeding times or keepers’ talks to prevent gathering of crowds
- The Jungle Express Railway at Paignton Zoo remains closed
- No face painting
- The restaurants and cafes will be offering a takeaway service only. Other food outlets will be open around the zoos. Floor markings will be in place to manage queueing
While the zoos have been closed they have had no income, apart from funds kindly raised by supporters through fundraising campaigns.
Executive Director, Simon Tonge said: “We would like to thank everyone who has made a donation, run a fundraiser on our behalf, adopted an animal, and bought tickets or gifts from our Amazon Wishlist while we were closed. Your support is very much appreciated.
Simon continues: “We would like to emphasise that the zoos are safe places to visit and by buying a ticket to visit us and an ice cream or coffee while you are here, you will be enabling us to get through these extraordinarily difficult times and continue our vital conservation work. Our fundraising campaigns are still running so anything you can do to support it will make a massive difference.”
For more information about how to book and the measures have been put in place please visit www.paigntonzoo.org.uk and www.newquayzoo.org.uk.
