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Original poster

Zoos open in Tier 4

64 replies

moomin11 · 29/12/2020 09:37

Was really surprised to learn that zoos and other outdoor attractions are allowed to remain open in Tier 4 - which seems completely at odds with the whole stay at home, only essential travel message!? Yet many are saying that schools should be closed. Just seems bonkers to me.

OP posts:
helloxhristmas · 29/12/2020 09:40

They're not open here in T4

TinselToedElf · 29/12/2020 09:42

Ours is closed near us.

dementedpixie · 29/12/2020 09:42

Zoos are outdoors and school are indoors. Makes a big difference

Original poster
moomin11 · 29/12/2020 09:43

Schools are essential, a trip to the zoo isn't. Also a big difference!

OP posts:
daisybrown37 · 29/12/2020 09:44

@helloxhristmas

They're not open here in T4
Guidance has changed to allow them to reopen.

We are members of Whipsnade and London Zoo but won’t be visiting as I think it is pushing the local travel guidance for Tier 4. However, for more local people then Whipsnade is a great place to exercise. You can easily distance from others.

NataliaOsipova · 29/12/2020 09:45

They’re not - they were in tier 3, but are specifically mentioned as having to close in tier 4. I think it’s a real shame, actually - all outdoors, loads of space and something that appeals to kids. Risk doesn’t seem any higher than a NT garden to my mind.

Dahlietta · 29/12/2020 09:45

Both the zoos near us are closed. They're a hell of a lot safer than schools though!

Porcupineintherough · 29/12/2020 09:46

If zoo visits spread COVID as effectively as schools, your arguements would carry more weight.

Jrobhatch29 · 29/12/2020 09:47

Good. They are outdoors and often huge. Parents need places to entertain their kids other than the same parks. Zoos are educational and rely on profits to care for the animals. Having said that I think people should visit local zoos and not travel across the country to one.

Santaisreel · 29/12/2020 09:48

@Porcupineintherough

If zoo visits spread COVID as effectively as schools, your arguements would carry more weight.

I don't think this is a zoo v school issue. It's more like another example of the government sending mixed messages to already fed up people. Don't go out, but you can go to the zoo 🤷🏻‍♀️

maverickallthetime · 29/12/2020 09:48

@NataliaOsipova 100% they are open where I live in tier 4! One zoo has chosen not to open and one zoo is open. Half price tickets too

Coasterfan · 29/12/2020 09:51

We went to a zoo on Xmas eve, (tier 3). We were nowhere near anyone else all day and it was all outside. Indoor exhibits all closed, number of guests limited and timed entry. You had to walk through an enclosed dome to get in but masks were mandatory and there was no loitering around allowed. My child is in a class of 35 for 6 hours a day with no masks or social distancing I don’t see how the two compare.

Original poster
moomin11 · 29/12/2020 09:51

@Santaisreel thank you, that was what I was trying to get at

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 29/12/2020 10:37

I wouldn't go to a zoo as its not within my local area but I don't begrudge those that live near one having the ability to go to one.

You are allowed to do outdoor activities as those are less risky than being indoors with others

Silversun83 · 29/12/2020 11:04

Probably decisions taken by the individual zoos, but yes, the guidance did change (on Christmas Eve I believe) to allow them to open.

All the ones near us have opened. We're members of one which is about 15 mins away so we are planning to go.

bobbiester · 29/12/2020 11:06

Great - been really looking forward to petting the bats and pangolins! Grin

annevonkleve · 29/12/2020 11:07

I can't really see the issue - they are outside and presumably are restricting numbers. National Trust places are also open - there isn't really any difference.

McFarts · 29/12/2020 11:09

Totally under minds the only travel for essential reasons, no wonder people are doing wtf they want, and are confused!

Hmmph · 29/12/2020 11:13

The real trouble with places like zoos (and NT gardens) being open is not the visitors, but the staff...

SideboardOfDoom · 29/12/2020 11:15

If it’s an area of the economy they can keep open safely, they should do so.

Problem for zoos is they can’t really furlough all their staff. The animals are hardly going to feed themselves.

Whatever9999 · 29/12/2020 11:16

Ours didn't re-open when the guidance changed, not financially viable as only locals could get there. Shame really because they've really struggled, but this is usually their quiet time of year and its pretty much only pass holders that go in the Christmas to Easter period. (Which is why I like going at that time of year, no crowds, I hate crowds)

Hmmph · 29/12/2020 11:17

And takeaways and click and collect and all the other things that are allowed because they are “safe” come to that. They might be safe if you’re collecting your takeaway coffee from behind a screen. Not so safe for the staff grouped together behind the screen, sharing a staff room and a bathroom, sharing an office etc etc.

Crunchymum · 29/12/2020 11:18

London Zoo isn't open!!

BamboozledandBefuddled · 29/12/2020 11:19

@bobbiester

Great - been really looking forward to petting the bats and pangolins! Grin
That made me splutter coffee Grin
OverTheRainbow88 · 29/12/2020 11:19

Ours has closed all the indoor parts, Signs on toilets saying one family at a time, cafe is closed, they’ve open the side gate so you don’t have to go through the shop to go in.

Zoos etc being open are vital for people with young children to keep them physically and mentally healthy and happy. We became a member of our local wild life park and go there whenever we can.

You cannot compare an outdoor huge space to a classroom.