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.

If the government won't let them open then they're going to have to fund them. The animal welfare implications and scientific/ecological importance mean there's no other option. Like several PPs, we're members of Chester Zoo as well so at least our renewal fee is due soon for them.

I agree 100% it is not like you go around touching the enclosures so it would be the same as going to the local playing field to walk around. Fewer people are in a position to be able to donate so I can't see how these zoos will survive.

Our local farm has reopened for members only- a limited amount of Pre-booked tickets each day. All the outside animals, walking trails and outside toilets/catering van open only. It has sold out for weeks. I can't understand why zoos cannot do the same?! They must really need the revenue and it would be so good for children 😞

@Nquartz
"I assume it is a financial decision by the government but I don't understand."
Why do you think finances of zoos has anything to do with the Govt?

The Govt are taking slow steps and need to ease some restrictions and monitor the R0 to make sure it isn't going up. The scientists, who are advising the Govt, are concerned the infection rate isn't reducing quickly enough. There are other things that need to be eased before zoos.

@AnotherEmma
"Because the government doesn't give a shit about our children and their well being."
It is because they care about children that the Govt are trying to get them back to school. It is parents who don't want their children to return.

"I also think it would be possible to allow play areas to reopen with the caveat that there should be signs with reminders about distancing and hand washing."
Some children are too young to take on the concept of social distancing.
For those who can understand, do you think they would remember, in their excitement at playing, to social distance?
Hand washing when they get home is fine but the children would still all be touching equipment loads of others have touched.

"They just don't give a shit though, they think it's fine for our children to be restricted to an extremely limited number of activities for 10.5 weeks and counting."
You are being ridiculous. Your children are being protected ffs. You should be grateful.

I think drive-through safari parks could re-open as long as no-one gets out of cars.

Zoos are far larger than schools, outside and with wide paths.

Not opening them is ridiculous and hugely damaging to conservation efforts and the future of zoos.

This isn't a government bashing thread, more of a concern for animal welfare and doesn't need derailing. It's simply making people aware of the issue, there are plenty of political threads so don't make this into one.

There are other things that need to be eased before zoos.

I'm not trying to be rude but honestly what else needs to be eased before zoos could open? Most shops are now open, schools have begun to accept pupils back I can even have a BBQ or go and buy a Mcdonalds now but zoos have to remain closed. There is no logic to it.

I agree with the previous poster who said if the Government are prohibiting them opening they should be funding them as how else do they expect them to survive?

It's ridiculously, Ikea was the last place we needed to open (ditto sofa shops etc all seemed to get a special permission to open ahead of retail) zoos should be allowed to open along with other ticketed outdoor attractions that don't involve queues (so no theme parks!)

There are other things that need to be eased before zoos
This sort of comment makes my blood boil. Seriously we are talking about animals here - living,breathing creatures and you think other things are more important like say golf courses or furniture shops.
But then of course,humans must take priority!!! As long as people can buy a sofa or get a Mcdonalds then zoo animals ( who didn't have a choice to be there btw ) should just be a low priority. Get a grip!!!

Will zoos not come into the possible 4th July date
But opening zoos with limited numbers may also not be viable for them as they will have to employ extra staff etc
I really don't think the government are not allowing it just to be mean at the beginning there was a worry about animals POSs contracting maybe tat was taken into account

And zoos not opening will not be a financial reason for the government if anything they will loose out on taxes some might pay
Getting shops back is more about getting people back to work
Play areas won't open for a while , otherwise they wouldn'tbe able to have social distancing in school playgrounds if all outdoor ones are open aa there's no way kids running in a playground would remember to social distance and who would monitor how many go in , judging by fact people still go on a busy beach they would probably still pile in a busy park

It is incredibly sad for the Zoo's there must be something we are all missing as to why this decision has been made?
I would have thought this would be one of the first tourist/hospitality attractions to open given its majorly outdoors and spaced out and social distancing between families could be managed with restricted amount of people and staggered entry times.

There are other things that need to be eased before zoos

Chester Zoo has 7,000 animals. London Zoo and Whipsnade are both struggling badly and have 20,000 each. There are 48 zoos in the UK plus the safari parks and a multitude of smaller animal establishments, all running out of the money they need. If they don't reopen, those animals will be killed.

Given the restrictions that have already been lifted, what 'other things' are more important than taking steps to prevent the totally unjustifed, wholesale slaughter of those animals, and how would opening zoos now prevent these 'other things' from opening?

The animals in most zoos are endangered to wholly to the action and numbers of humans. There are plenty of humans on the planet, these animals are more important!

This has been something that has been annoying me.

Our local farm park is a great outdoor space and never particularly busy. The nearby zoo too.

And then really why can't the safari park open.

If they open on the proviso of advance bookings only then surely numbers could be managed.

And any.play areas remain shut - although I do think outdoor play parks should be allowed to open.

@NotEverythingIsBlackandWhite can you explain what you think needs to happen more urgently and is more important than zoos opening. I'd honestly like to know because anyone can see that without funding from the Government or minwy from admission zoos are treading on very very thin ice in their battle to survive.

I’d be ‘ first in the queue ‘ for a zoo - would love to see some creatures . Agree online booking and timed slots could easily satisfy social distancing .

Don't really understand how people are saying they're "for the children", I've said for weeks now the first place I'd want to go myself is the zoo.

Anyone know what about the theme parks with zoos or animal areas.?
Chessington.
Paultons?
Etc.

Wonder if it's because of people touching the railings etc, kids standing on them.
Not able to properly clean?

@NotEverythingIsBlackandWhite
Oh the irony of your username!

"You are being ridiculous. Your children are being protected ffs. You should be grateful."

Fuck you.

@AnotherEmma. Yes, no idea what people think people think children are being protected from, as they’re at such low risk of any sort of illness from the virus.There’s an extreme lack of critical thinking or any sort of risk analysis happening.

Far more likely to catch meningitis from another child or get sepsis but zoos were still open when those dangers were around. And people driving their children in cars on roads! How very irresponsible! Why weren’t children protected then?

It is because they care about children that the Govt are trying to get them back to school.

Bollocks. The government don't care about our kids. Not saying they actively want to harm them but they are far more concerned about a) the economy, removing the barrier to parents going back to work, and b) making it look like they are right about the virus being on the decline.

I can see that most if not all the MPs in the Cheshire area, both Tory and Labour, have in their party groups asked the government to review the decision on zoos. I hope they'll work together to keep the pressure on.

I can see that most if not all the MPs in the Cheshire area, both Tory and Labour, have in their party groups asked the government to review the decision on zoos. I hope they'll work together to keep the pressure on.

I hope so. It would be good if someone raised it as a question at the daily briefings to.

@Theluggage15
"There’s an extreme lack of critical thinking or any sort of risk analysis happening."
Indeed!