Government Closes UK Zoos
31/05/2020
After three months and at a time when other restrictions are being relaxed, at 4.30pm on 31st
May 2020 we have just had official confirmation for the first time that Zoos must Close.
This is the exact opposite to all other countries in the Developed World where Zoos are recognised as ideal outdoor venues for exercise, education and relaxation; and were the first facilities to be allowed to re-open, with careful controlled plans in place.
Our plans must always follow Government advice, even if we do not understand it and cannot explain it you - so the Park remains closed to visitors as of 31 May 2020.
Hamerton Zoological Park covers 30 acres of open park-land with over a kilometre of wide, hard-paved paths. Social distancing with screens and take-away food were all in place before the Government closure, as we were one of the last parks to close in the UK. We are planning for re-opening following the best advice from the Zoo and Leisure industry, in the absence of any guidelines from Government. Unless it is forbidden, we expect that upon re-opening tickets will be purchased on-line for a specific visit day. This will allow us to control numbers and ensure that the Park operates comfortably below any set daily attendance limits.
This system will require all visitors including members and season pass holders to purchase a ticket on-line, and is ready to go live on our-web-site once guidelines are published.
It costs around £4000 per day to run the Park.
ALL of this money comes from our visitors.
Without our visitors, our income has been switched off completely.
Please help our work and our animals,
(www.crowdfunder.co.uk/hamerton-zoo-animals).
Or you can pay direct into our Lloyds Bank account:
Sort code = 30.94.47
Account number = 5080 5060
Donations can be made by credit/debit card.
Please use the 'Donations' page in our on-line 'Shop' on the top tool-bar.
Our animals need help from our visitors at this difficult time.
Our staff and regular volunteers all fit and fine, and are busy with the animals; which are enjoying the lovely weather.
We will post more details here and on social media, as and when the situation changes.