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.

I can't speak for other species but it's thought that non-human primates (chimps and orangutans in particular) are susceptible to covid as they are so similar to us. They can certainly get the flu or a cold so it stands to reason that they could catch this too. When you see the caregivers on Orangutan Jungle School wearing facemasks, it's to make sure they don't pass any bugs onto the orangs, rather than them passing things onto the caregivers.

As for Carrie Symonds not liking zoos, I don't think that's true. She does live with a baboon after all...

As for Carrie Symonds not liking zoos, I don't think that's true. She does live with a baboon after all...

Thanks to you, I've just spat a mouthful of wine out. Luckily, DH got the brunt of it and not the sofa

There's an official petition doing the rounds & some MPs have stepped up to support (mainly Chester but hopefully there will be a halo effect on the rest)

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/308733

Thanks for this. I've signed it.

Asked at briefing tonight and total non answer given (no surprise)

If they reduce capacity to allow for more room in the venue that's one thing but I don't think that's the reason the NT was giving, they wanted 2m between cars.

Distancing the cars will lead to less cars and hence helping them socially distance within the gardens - perhaps that's their aim?

I like that people are trying to find logic here, where there is none.

The only differences between zoos and national trust gardens are a) there are animals and b) children are more likely to enjoy the zoo.

So either the government has an issue with animals or an issue with children enjoying themselves. Given that play areas and all other childrens activities are also closed, I know which one I think it is.

Yeah it's so random. Here in Ireland zoos are already open, but we're not having loads of other stuff opened till later.

UnderTheBus
Yep. I mean they probably don't give a shit about either. But you'd at least expect them to give a bit of a shit about children. (Except that children don't vote of course!)

Ridiculous isn’t it. There’s no reason they shouldn’t be allowed to open zoos. Yes people will use toilets but to a degree you need to put responsibility on the individual to trust they will wash their hands! Zoos I’ve been to have all been meticulously clean in toilets and other areas. No different to sitting on a bench at the zoo to sitting on a bench at the park? Limit numbers. Prebook tickets with timed entry. One way round. Takeaway eating only. I fail to see a problem.
Yes theme parks - merlin I’m looking at you - seem to think they’ll be opening with the next wave on 4th July. Queues everywhere? Limiting people on rides so people everywhere waiting for their turn even if they book a ride slot on a phone app. Problems with limiting numbers on rides and cleaning rides after each use. Surely zoos would be better than that?

I don't know why zoos can't open, nothing for children can open and I am becoming increasingly incensed by it all. The indefinite closure of zoos made me cry, it was the one thing I could see opening up that families could use, a glimmer of hope. If they can't open I can accept that if I know why, it's a good reason and the zoos will get financial support.

I was onboard with the government at the start of this, followed every rule but I'm losing it now. Throw me a bone, please. I am seriously worried that by the end of this there will be nothing left for families to enjoy at all.

Are the government trying to close zoos? What will happen to animals in the zoos? Are zoos in other countries open? Sorry, I think I've lost the plot now!

madasamarchhare

According to my inside source at Chessington....they are hoping to just open the zoo side of things in July. The theme park side is not scheduled for opening at all this season. This may, of course, change. I don't know about the other Merlin attractions though.

Thorpe park is reopening in July - fair amount of provisos of course but I don’t understand how that can be possible but zoos aren’t?
Surely the safari style ones where you’re mostly in your own car would be doable?

It's madness. Also it's madness that dentists can't open and people are pulling out their own teeth and people can't even go to church.
But this useless government have opened car showrooms, go figure. Am in despair at this lunacy.

@trappedsincesundaymorn

madasamarchhare

According to my inside source at Chessington....they are hoping to just open the zoo side of things in July. The theme park side is not scheduled for opening at all this season. This may, of course, change. I don't know about the other Merlin attractions though.

Chessington appears to be planning for empty seats on rides here www.chessington.com/our-company/coronavirus/health-and-safety/ So it suggests they are planning to open the theme park as well as the zoo.

Hmm DD (she's my inside source), may have fed me false info,the sneak. I do know that the zoo side is definitely opening because she's buzzing to be back with "her" animals...especially the meerkats. She's an assistant keeper and only the qualified keepers have been on site since lock down.

Zoos have been told they are closed indefinitely unfortunately trappedsince

If your DD wants to get back to work I suggest she signs the petition & emails her/your MP. And encourages her friends, family & colleagues to do the same.

There's also a public group on Facebook called Get our Zoos Open Again which she can join.

A few of the zoos/wildlife parks have been posting this on their Facebook pages:

There's a debate in UK parliament about the crisis facing zoos, aquariums and organisations dedicated to animal welfare. This debate will be held on Thursday 11th June and we need you to write a letter to your local MP asking them to attend the debate and demonstrate the urgent need for Government support.

It is essential we get further support so we can continue our mission. So please take five minutes to help us!

You can download a template letter here: biaza.org.uk/downloader/1814

To find your local MP’s contact details click here: www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-your-mp/

We also want to ask you to submit a question to the government for one of the televised daily briefings. We are asking as many people as possible to submit a similar question to this > When uncontrolled outdoor areas and non-essential retail can open, why won’t the Government allow zoos and safari parks, which can offer controlled outdoor experiences, the flexibility to open and the get the financial support they need?

You can do that here: www.gov.uk/ask

It’s madness.

Thorpe park is planning on opening on 15th. They will be wiping down the rides every 30mins (I would have thought they should wipe them down after each turn - sweaty hands on the handrails - but what do I know).

So you can go to a theme park, go to any random shop you like, hairdressers, Macdonald...but not zoos???

Like everyone has already said - limiting ticket sales to enable SD and marking out one way travel on footpaths, 2m grids in ‘viewing areas’ to help people stay apart etc - I really do t understand why there’s such opposition from the govt on this.

*do not understand

Nquartz

Chessington comes under Theme park rules, so they can open. As their animals are dotted around the park and not in a different section like Drayton Manor then they can't stop people looking at the animals whilst going between rides. There is a meeting this week between zoo's and govt, and the question as to why mass gathering's were allowed to take place yet smaller controlled gatherings in zoo's are prohibited will be asked. Also the question that if shops are allowed to open they will that apply to gift shops if not why not?

Looks like zoos & safari parks can now reopen from Monday 15th June

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/09/uk-zoos-and-safari-parks-to-reopen-from-15-june?CMP=ShareiOSAppp_Other

Good news. I think.

Fabulous I shall be ‘first in the queue ‘ for London Zoo on my day off .

And Yorkshire Wildlife Park in my case bengalcat

As soon as Yorkshire Wildlife Park start selling tickets I shall get some. I want to go there and also want to help any zoos/wildlife parks fairly close.