Chester Zoo to reopen on Monday as government gives green light

The news we’ve all been waiting for, zoos, safari parks and drive-through outdoor cinemas will be allowed to reopen from next Monday says Boris Johnson.

The Prime Minister has decided to lift the restrictions on outdoor attractions to provide parents with more opportunities to entertain their kids after 12 weeks of lockdown.

He is expected to announce as part of the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown that will be coming into effect on 15th June. 

Zoos, safari parks and drive-through outdoor cinemas will be allowed to reopen from June 15th as long as they can abide by social distancing rules.

Safari Parks and outdoor cinemas have also been added to the list as people remain in their cars and therefore the risk of spreading the disease is lower.

This news is also alongside the reopening of non-essential shops on the same date, including fashion, charity, betting, gift shops, craft fairs, auction houses and plenty of others.

A Downing Street official said last night: “People are continuing to make huge sacrifices to reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid a second spike, but we know it is tough and where we can safely open up more attractions, and it is supported by the science, we will do so.

“This is by necessity a careful process, but we hope the reopening of safari parks and zoos will help provide families with more options to spend time outdoors while supporting the industry caring for these incredible animals.”

This is great news for zoos like Chester Zoo which has been campaigning over the last week to ‘save our zoo’ and raised over £2.2 million to do so. 

The indoor exhibitions at zoos will remain closed such as reptile houses and any cafes must be only for take-away.

Andrew Hall, spokesperson for Biaza – British and Irish Association for Zoos and Aquariums, said: “Biaza is obviously delighted that zoos and safari parks have been given the flexibility to reopen.

“But as a sector, we are not out of the woods. Aquariums are still closed, and zoos and safari parks have taken a real hit. For some zoos, particularly those reliant on tourism, reopening isn’t going to be financially viable for them.

“It’s helpful today but it’s not the full answer to the challenges we face. We know that as a sector, zoos, aquariums and safari parks will be struggling, especially with limited entry, so we do still need the support of Government – but we’re very pleased about today’s announcement.”

He added: “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.”