Colchester Zoo 'gearing up' to potentially reopen in July

Bosses at Colchester Zoo are hoping to reopen in July, if it's safe to do so.

The zoo has been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Guidelines set out by the government suggest that big attractions may be able to re-open from July as long as appropriate safety measures are enforced.

The zoo, which employs over 450 people, has kept its animal care team and veterinarians on site to look after the animals.

plans are in place for the zoo to be ready to open in June should they get the go ahead. Credit: ITV Anglia

In March, directors at the zoo admitted they "don't know" what the future holds after it shut its doors.

The zoo says restrictions will be in place for visitors when it does eventually re-open.

"The government has indicated that attractions such as the zoo may be allowed to open from July and so we are gearing ourselves to this date but we have put in place the opening mission to open so our aim is to be ready in June should we be allowed to open our doors", Dr Tropeano, Managing Director of Colchester zoo, said.

"Re-opening to visitors begins with risk assessments for both visitors and staff to ensure the day out will be totally safe for both. We will need to evaluate what exactly opening means but we know this will not be the same day out as visitors have experienced for many years and, inevitably, restrictions will be in a place.

"Despite the restrictions we will endeavour to give the best possible day out people can enjoy in a totally safe area.

"From what we have been told, Europe, where many parks and zoos are now open the attendance has only been registered as 30% of their usual attendance, financially this will make our opening very tough but we have to start somewhere so we welcome the government proposal that all being well, opening is only a matter of weeks away or earlier if possible."