Bristol Zoo Gardens is reopening next week after the longest closure in its 185-year history.
The popular attraction has been shut for more than 100 days after closing at the start of the lockdown on March 20.
During that time keepers have welcomed a host of new arrivals, with life for the thousands of animals in their care carrying on.
Keepers and the zoo’s veterinary staff have been working on site throughout the closure to ensure the animals have continued to receive the best possible care.
The zoo will reopen its gates on Tuesday, July 14 with a number of safety measures in place, including a restriction in visitors to 25 per cent of a standard summer day.
New measures at Bristol Zoo
There will be a host of additional health and safety measures in place including a timed ticketing system, one-way routes and extra hand washing facilities, to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
Full list of new measures:
- A strictly limited number of tickets are available each day to ensure everyone has the space to enjoy the zoo safely.
- Timed tickets have been implemented to create a staggered entry and allow the zoo to carefully manage any potential queues at the entrance.
- A new one-way system is in place to aid with social distancing.
- Volunteer Navigators will be available to help visitors find their way around the site safely.
- The site has gone completely cashless and no transactions can take place at admissions. Customers will simply need to show their booking confirmation number on arrival.
- Additional handwashing facilities have been installed throughout the zoo.
- On-site cleaners are in place ensuring toilets are kept clean. The attraction has enhanced its cleaning regime and cleaning checks.
- There is clear signage on site to remind visitors to abide by social distancing measures.
- Picnic benches have been spaced out across the site.
- Queues will be marked with two-metre measures where possible.
- Some areas, including playgrounds and some of the zoo's indoor houses remain closed. These closures are in place where social distancing is not currently possible and to ensure customer safety.
- Keeper talks are not currently taking place time to reduce the potential for crowds to gather.
To find out more about the steps Bristol Zoo is taking to protect visitors and staff from the spread of coronavirus, visit its website.
New arrivals at the zoo
There are a number of new arrivals at the zoo which were born during the period of closure for visitors to admire.
They include a tiny tree kangaroo joey which emerged from his mother’s pouch during the lockdown.
Staff at the Bristol Royal Infirmary chose the name Kiri for the little tree kangaroo which means "laugh" in its native Papua New Guinea.
It is the first time the zoo has bred a tree kangaroo and Kiri is one of only two bred successfully in captivity in the UK during the past 12 months.
Bird keepers have seen the arrival of two kea chicks, six brightly coloured sun conures, five hoopoe chicks and an African penguin chick, among many more.
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Dr Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society which runs Bristol Zoo Gardens, said: "We are thrilled to be opening our doors again and welcoming people back. We have really missed our visitors, members and supporters.
"Never before, not even during the Second World War, have we been closed for such a long time. It’s a great step forward and I’d like to thank everyone for the incredible support they have shown us during this difficult time."
But Dr Morris warned that it is still a difficult time for zoos due to huge revenue losses and ongoing concerns about future revenue.
He added: "We are very much hoping that people will continue showing us the fantastic support we have received over the past few months, and our fundraising appeal continues to be essential."
Visitors to Bristol Zoo are now asked to pre-purchase and members asked to pre-book tickets in advance, on Bristol Zoo's website.
If you would like to make a donation to Bristol Zoological Society, which operates Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project, you can do so by visiting its website.
