Colchester Zoo "desperate" to reopen doors in April

Visitors can return from 12 April as part of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown

Author: Arlen JamesPublished 25th Feb 2021
Last updated 25th Feb 2021

Colchester Zoo has welcomed the news they can reopen in the spring as part of the roadmap out of lockdown.

While there is some disappointment it won't be able to take advantage of the Easter break, it's relieved to be able to open its doors from 12 April.

Curator Sarah Forsyth, said:

"We're pretty desperate. It makes everything feel better when you know the end is nigh and you can see an end date to it all. That will make us feel definitely more comfortable.

"If it had gone on for too much longer I think we would have been in some serious trouble."

Colchester Zoo is awaiting clearer information about limitations for its reopening, and is calling on the Government to extend the furlough period, which is currently expected to end on 30 April.

Sarah added: "We assume there are going to be some limitations, it's not going to be a full opening that we are used to previous to the pandemic. An extension to the furlough scheme would be hugely beneficial."

Keepers have apparently adapted to not seeing the public from a day-to-day basis while they provide around the clock care and supervision for the animals, but they're looking forward to their return.

Sarah said:

"The whole point of a zoo is to be able to engage with our visitors, educate them about the individual animals we've got and about conservation, but we just haven't been able to do that.

"We've really missed it and I think the animals have missed everyone as well.

"We can't wait to open our doors up again."

What dates will lockdown restrictions be lifted in England?

8 March: ALL pupils in England back to school

From 8 March 2021, all pupils in all year groups were allowed to go back into the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities were also allowed to resume.

8 March: Socialising outdoors with one other person

Two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces. This means that people can sit down for a picnic or a drink, whereas previously, you could only meet someone outside your household for exercise.

29 March: Stay at Home rule liften

From 29 March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government will lift the stay at home rule but will continue to encourage people to stay local.

29 March: Larger group gatherings outdoors

From March 29 the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.

29 March: Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open

Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29 March.

29 March: Organised adult and children's sport

Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from March 29

29 March: Weddings with 6 people

From 29 March, weddings with 6 people will be permitted to take place. The number of guests allowed to attend weddings will increase as we move through the roadmap.

12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues

From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.

12 April: Beer gardens reopen

From 12 April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.

12 April: Gyms reopen

Gyms are expected to reopen from 12 April.

17 May: Indoor mixing

From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.

17 May: Possible foreign travel

Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.

17 May: Indoor hospitality

Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.

21 June: Nightclubs could reopen

From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.

21 June: Bigger weddings

Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.

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