'Not an instant fix' Zoos warn they face a tough time despite being able to reopen
Video report by ITV News Anglia's Charlie Frost
The UK's largest zoo has told ITV News Anglia that whilst they welcome the news they can reopen on Monday it certainly won't be an "instant fix."
Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire warned they faced permanent closure if the Government did not reverse its decision to keep zoos closed.
Bosses at the zoo, the UK's largest with 600 acres of parkland, say they can maintain social distancing providing they limit numbers on site. Visitors will be made to pre-book with 3,000 pre-booked ticket holders allowed per day.
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The latest move to relax the coronavirus lockdown was outlined by Boris Johnson at the daily briefing tonight.
Indoor attractions at zoos such as reptile houses though will have to remain closed and cafes will only be open for takeaway food and drinks. The Prime Minister also warned zoos that they would have to restrict visitor numbers and follow strict social distancing guidelines.
Meanwhile, Colchester Zoo says it's not out of the woods just yet either.
Bosses at the Essex attraction said zoos are on their "death bed" after being closed for months, and still face a tough time financially because cafes and shops will stay shut and visitor numbers will be limited.
The Managing Director of the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), which operates Banham Zoo in Norfolk and Africa Alive in Suffolk, says they would have liked more notice from the Government that they could reopen.
Claudia Roberts told ITV News Anglia that they still need to bring furloughed staff back so they will not open on the 15th June but will do so as soon as possible.
She also warned that some jobs are still at risk.
She added visitors will have to pre-book tickets with timed entry slots (to avoid queues at entrance.)
Banham Zoo will only be able to have 250 visitors per hour, but say there will be more outdoor eating places and one way entrances in operation.
Meanwhile the Sea Life Centre in Hunstanton has been shut since March 20th and most of team have been furloughed.
The centre is being contacted every day by people asking when they are going to be open.
Bosses say it is disappointing that aquariums have not been included in those that are opening on 15th. Staff are now working towards opening in July.