The world has been battling the COVID-19 pandemic for over a year now, and almost every aspect of our lives has been affected by this deadly virus. The entertainment and leisure industry have been hit hard with the closure of many public attractions, including zoos.
One such popular attraction is the London Zoo. In this article, we will explore if London Zoo is going to reopen in the near future.
London Zoo During COVID-19
London Zoo was forced to shut its doors in March 2020 following government guidelines to help control the spread of the virus. The closure left zookeepers and staff members with no choice but to tend to animals behind closed doors while adhering to strict social distancing measures.
In June 2020, London Zoo reopened for a brief period with limited capacity and pre-booked tickets only. However, it was forced to shut down again when the UK went into a second lockdown in November.
Is London Zoo Going to Reopen?
The good news is that London Zoo has announced its plan to reopen from April 12th, 2021, following the UK government’s roadmap out of lockdown. However, it will only open outdoor enclosures initially and restrict visitor numbers in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
Visitors will be able to see some of their favorite animals like lions, tigers, penguins, and monkeys from outdoors. However, indoor animal houses like reptile house or butterfly paradise would remain closed until further notice.
What Safety Measures Will Be in Place?
The safety of visitors and staff remains a top priority for London Zoo. To ensure that everyone stays safe during their visit, several measures have been put in place such as:
- Mandatory pre-booking of tickets online
- Limited visitor capacity
- Social distancing markers throughout the zoo
- Mandatory face coverings for visitors aged 11 and over
- Hand sanitizing stations throughout the zoo
Conclusion
In conclusion, London Zoo is going to reopen in a phased manner from April 12th, 2021. While indoor animal houses will remain closed, visitors can enjoy outdoor enclosures with limited capacity and mandatory safety measures.
It’s heartening to see that zoos are adapting to the new normal and reopening for visitors while ensuring their safety. We hope that other attractions follow suit soon.