Why can't zoos open?

[Nquartz]

Zoos have been told they need to stay shut indefinitely yet we can go to Ikea or to buy a car

They are outside, indoor areas can be closed, food outlets takeaway only, same as parks & beaches so why can't they open?

I assume it is a financial decision by the government but I don't understand. Who knows what will happen to the animals if they can't get revenue.

Dublin Zoo has reopened with very limited numbers and you need to pre book. It's sold out for weeks. Hopefully zoos in the UK can do something similar

We have a small local zoo. To honest it's a bit crap. But small kids love it. It's mainly outside. I don't see why they can't open. They are having to rely on just giving page and locals and supermarket s giving them food donations. I feel so sorry for them. They work so hard to stay afloat and keep animals safe.

Chessington are hoping to re-open in mid-July. They have all c-19 compliance measures in place and are finding it frustrating that there has been no word from Govt.

Just the zoo....the theme park will probably not open at all this season.

I don't think public transport would be an issue as most people would drive (you have to drive to Marwell zoo as no local public transport to the zoo ) and numbers could be kept at a sensible level by everyone prebooking including passholders which is what both Chester and Colchester zoos are planning. Surely the animals welfare is paramount and there aren't any excuses for not opening imo

There's a significant difference between how many people would want to visit a zoo, and how many would actually be able to. Numbers are easily controlled with pre booked online tickets. No booked ticket, no admittance. Revenue would be considerably down but at least it would be something and better than the current situation.

I also think 'policing visitor behaviour would hopefully not be too much of a problem. The usual anti social types would be fewer, simply because there'd be smaller numbers overall and even some of those who might chuck their coke can on the floor would still be conscious of distancing. In any environment you're always going to get selfish tw*ts but there's no reason to assume that'd be more of an issue now than 'before'. It's something attractions have always had to contend with and, like I said, it stands to reason that if you admit (off the top of my head) 300 people instead of 900, or whatever, that percentage wise, the number requiring policing would be smaller than usual.

Agree with all the points above. My DH works at a zoo. They plan to close all indoor sections, contact less payments, more frequent toilet cleans, hand sanitizer stations around site, capped prebookable only visitor number and tickets. Far safer than the packed beaches and parks

It made me so sad to see the xheater zoo video today. They all do so much good! It's mind-boggling that parks and beaches arw fine even though you cannit control how many use them but a zoo which could control numbers is considered unsafe to open.

*Chester zoo

Very sad thought that Chester Zoo is under threat. We go regularly so I am going to donate and hope it can be saved.

I completely agree. We live near a large safari park, and I can't understand why people can't visit. Visitors sit in their cars and drive through the enclosures, no interacting with any other visitors. It would be lovely for the children, and a relief for their parents. They could have the toilets open and maybe a kiosk or two for takeaway drinks and ice-creams. Bookings could be made online for timed slots easily enough.

I'm so glad it's not just me who thinks this is illogical & bizarre.

I just hope they can all hang on long enough to be able to reopen.

The percentage of operating costs the furlough scheme covers is really quite small compared to other industries. The government really is appearing quite out of touch on the issue.

I've emailed my mp. Not that we have a zoo in the constituency but we are near a couple. Its an easy cause for a local MP to get behind so I think it's worth pursuing them about it.

@JumpingAtJackdaws

I completely agree. We live near a large safari park, and I can't understand why people can't visit. Visitors sit in their cars and drive through the enclosures, no interacting with any other visitors. It would be lovely for the children, and a relief for their parents. They could have the toilets open and maybe a kiosk or two for takeaway drinks and ice-creams. Bookings could be made online for timed slots easily enough.

Wow, that really is bonkers when you think about it. And surely opening attractions that are socially distanced by their very nature will help reduce the numbers at the beaches and Ikea!

Good idea Floatyboat.

I have been fuming about this all day. Policing visitor numbers would be so much easier in a zoo than a beach or park. If they were worried they could just not open the indoor bits. Alton towers is opening up the gardens! Most zoos could easily do it.
My only guess that they have said no is because most zoos are a charity so don’t pay tax- they make more money letting shops open first.

I've been waiting for London Zoo to open, I've waived my membership extension to support whilst they are closed. It completely baffles me why they can't reopen with their plans of outdoor only, one way, pre-booked slots etc. If NT can have toilets open why can't the zoo?

It'll be more crowded in Regents Park than in the zoo!

Also donated, just wish I could donate more. Chester Zoo is fantastic and I grew up visiting the zoo regularly. I am so scared about what will happen to the animals and all the amazing work zoos do.

As others have said, it's ridiculous they can't be opened. Only allow a set number of people with pre booked tickets and these places are huge, Chester Zoo is massive with very wide paths.

@hm246 that's what I was wondering when I pondered if it's a financially motivated decision by the government.

Plus I think people will probably be more excited by Ikea opening than a zoo as a distraction from the whole DC shenanigans

Utterly ridiculous.
Who cares if the beer bottles behind the pub bar get dusty. Zoos are appealing right left and centre for money to buy animal feed. The curator of our local (Wingham) is crowdfunding to shave his head, beard and even wax other parts of him. He's worked his socks off for two months now doing live walk through, night tours, q&a sessions, all with a view to the donations (as has the owner).
They had an excellent plan for opening in a limited way to limited numbers on 5 June. Even 100 visitors spread over a 9 hr day would have helped with their costs.

Not sure if this is said but it could be concerns over infecting animals?

Seriously?!

I feel sorry for the animals when they do. They have probably had some breathing space to behave naturally.

We are very familiar with Chester Zoo and have annual memberships. It is a HUGE space and with appropriate measures I don't see why they can't open up. It's ludicrous.