Was just thinking why not, when it would be a group of householders or close people and if the keeper was in the ppe why not, did the barbers at the weekend post lockdown and would imagine he was closer than a keeper would be
Re-opening of UK Zoos - dates, timings & bookings
- Thread starter TriUK
- Start date
Just wondering as I did a zoo at the weekend and am sure there where people feeding the giraffes with a keeper in what would be a restricted area, possibly they where clearing a post COVID back log of pre booked to begin normal service
Andrew Swales
Well-Known Member
There has been no Government advice or regulation about this, so it is another area where Zoos have had to decide for themselves.
Although we are not a member, the detailed BIAZA requirements for their membership that we managed to obtain specifically say that all animal contact areas were/(are?) to remain closed, and ALL felids, primates, rodents, mustelids and bats must be housed a minimum of 2m from the public. They may have changed their minds since, but someone who knows would have to clarify that.
cliffxdavis
Well-Known Member
Just had this email back from the Government
The Government has responded to the petition you signed – “Provide financial help to zoos, aquariums, & rescue centres during the pandemic.”.
Government responded:
The outdoor areas of zoos can now reopen. Government financial support schemes are available to zoos, including the Zoos Support Fund. We are keeping the situation under close review.
The Government recognises that organisations such as zoos, aquariums and animal welfare charities are working tirelessly during this challenging time to safeguard the health and welfare needs of animals in their care. The Government also recognises that many of these organisations in the UK, as well as providing high welfare standards for their animals, contribute significantly to both conservation work and education, helping both sustain endangered species but also teaching people about animals’ natural habitats - as well as how at risk that species may be.
As announced by the Prime Minister on 10 June, outdoor animal attractions, including safari parks, the outdoor parts of zoos and animal attractions on farms, are now open following strict social distancing guidelines. This includes keeping indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses and those in aquariums, closed, and ensuring other amenities like cafes offer take-away services only.
The move follows close work by the Government with the zoo industry to ensure visitor numbers can be managed and safeguards are put in place. Allowing zoos to reopen is an integral step towards supporting an early financial recovery.
The decision to relax restrictions on these select outdoor attractions is part of the Government’s careful approach to easing the lockdown in phases, guided by the advice of scientific and medical experts and the fact the risk of transmission is much lower outdoors.
A number of schemes have been made available to businesses and charities to help them during this emergency. Organisations are eligible to apply for a range of support schemes including the Job Retention Scheme, VAT deferral, Business Rates Relief, the Business Interruption Loan schemes, the option to reclaim the costs of Statutory Sick Pay and grant funding of up to £25,000.
The Government launched a Zoos Support Fund on 4 May worth £14 million in direct response to the concerns raised by zoos and aquariums as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Licensed zoos or aquariums in England that are experiencing severe financial difficulties because of lost revenue can apply for a grant of up to £100,000. The fund is intended to help zoos at immediate risk to protect the welfare of animals living on site or by rehoming.
The funding is available to cover animal-care costs that cannot be lowered such as keepers’ wages, animal feed and bedding and veterinary care and medicines.
Defra wrote to all licensed zoos in England on 21 April to make them aware of the coronavirus support schemes available as well as the new Zoo Support Fund.
We are aware of the concerns raised by larger zoos. Defra continues to engage with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and Her Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) to monitor how zoos are doing. Officials continue to meet regularly with some of the major zoos and aquariums in England to identify the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on larger organisations. This includes monitoring concerns around potential implications for animal welfare. Consideration of proposals for any longer-term support that might be needed for the sector is ongoing. With the help and support of the industry, Defra is working diligently to find the best way forward.
The importance of allowing zoos to reopen was also debated in the House of Commons on 11 June in the adjournment debate on the reopening of zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Click this link to view the response online:
Petition: Provide financial help to zoos, aquariums, & rescue centres during the pandemic.
This petition has over 100,000 signatures. The Petitions Committee will consider it for a debate. They can also gather further evidence and press the government for action.
The Committee is made up of 11 MPs, from political parties in government and in
The Government has responded to the petition you signed – “Provide financial help to zoos, aquariums, & rescue centres during the pandemic.”.
Government responded:
The outdoor areas of zoos can now reopen. Government financial support schemes are available to zoos, including the Zoos Support Fund. We are keeping the situation under close review.
The Government recognises that organisations such as zoos, aquariums and animal welfare charities are working tirelessly during this challenging time to safeguard the health and welfare needs of animals in their care. The Government also recognises that many of these organisations in the UK, as well as providing high welfare standards for their animals, contribute significantly to both conservation work and education, helping both sustain endangered species but also teaching people about animals’ natural habitats - as well as how at risk that species may be.
As announced by the Prime Minister on 10 June, outdoor animal attractions, including safari parks, the outdoor parts of zoos and animal attractions on farms, are now open following strict social distancing guidelines. This includes keeping indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses and those in aquariums, closed, and ensuring other amenities like cafes offer take-away services only.
The move follows close work by the Government with the zoo industry to ensure visitor numbers can be managed and safeguards are put in place. Allowing zoos to reopen is an integral step towards supporting an early financial recovery.
The decision to relax restrictions on these select outdoor attractions is part of the Government’s careful approach to easing the lockdown in phases, guided by the advice of scientific and medical experts and the fact the risk of transmission is much lower outdoors.
A number of schemes have been made available to businesses and charities to help them during this emergency. Organisations are eligible to apply for a range of support schemes including the Job Retention Scheme, VAT deferral, Business Rates Relief, the Business Interruption Loan schemes, the option to reclaim the costs of Statutory Sick Pay and grant funding of up to £25,000.
The Government launched a Zoos Support Fund on 4 May worth £14 million in direct response to the concerns raised by zoos and aquariums as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Licensed zoos or aquariums in England that are experiencing severe financial difficulties because of lost revenue can apply for a grant of up to £100,000. The fund is intended to help zoos at immediate risk to protect the welfare of animals living on site or by rehoming.
The funding is available to cover animal-care costs that cannot be lowered such as keepers’ wages, animal feed and bedding and veterinary care and medicines.
Defra wrote to all licensed zoos in England on 21 April to make them aware of the coronavirus support schemes available as well as the new Zoo Support Fund.
We are aware of the concerns raised by larger zoos. Defra continues to engage with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and Her Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) to monitor how zoos are doing. Officials continue to meet regularly with some of the major zoos and aquariums in England to identify the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on larger organisations. This includes monitoring concerns around potential implications for animal welfare. Consideration of proposals for any longer-term support that might be needed for the sector is ongoing. With the help and support of the industry, Defra is working diligently to find the best way forward.
The importance of allowing zoos to reopen was also debated in the House of Commons on 11 June in the adjournment debate on the reopening of zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Click this link to view the response online:
Petition: Provide financial help to zoos, aquariums, & rescue centres during the pandemic.
This petition has over 100,000 signatures. The Petitions Committee will consider it for a debate. They can also gather further evidence and press the government for action.
The Committee is made up of 11 MPs, from political parties in government and in
BWCP will be opening from Monday (3/8) with a 60 guests per day capacity. Booking is done over the phone, and the only buildings currently open are the Komodo house and Tamarin Conservation Centre. Bit of a blow as I need two species for the 2020 challenge that are in the nocturnal house... Still booked myself in for next Thursday though!
Went too a zoo yesterday first one I've been too that opened up most of the inside bits on the provision you wear face masks if you choose to go in them. They where also asking people to cover as you enter the zoo entrance too have your ticket scanned alot of people didn't wear masks sorry I didn't bring one with me your a zoo your outside I didn't think I'd need it today. If the compromise is well open the indoor bits up if you cover up if you haven't brought one with you that's fine just enjoy the outside. Wouldn't be surprised if the insides get closed again unless there's loads more people on the exemption list than I realised.
An approach which bemuses me. When I go out I have masks on me, in the same way I carry a phone or a wallet.
Andrew Swales
Well-Known Member
This is the opposite of what we are finding. Mask wearing - in areas which require it - has been excellent all round. We invested in a supply to sell at cost (30p each) to anyone who does not have one, for whatever reason, but have only sold a handful as almost everyone does have one. From what has been observed in other (non zoo) locations there is a very clear cultural divide, when it comes to abiding by and complying with, such guidance.
Which areas at Hamerton do you need to wear a mask in, please?
Andrew Swales
Well-Known Member
Just the Gift Shop only (where two groups are now allowed under supervision) - although most people using the Coffee-Shop use their masks there too.
All our animal houses are only really covered viewing, as their doors have either been removed or locked back so that the space is not enclosed and we have a one-group-at-a-time rule, so you can clearly see if anyone else is in the building. The Marmoset house and the Binturong house open around mid-day after the two morning time slot visitors are already on site, to help with flow along the paths.
The sloths/gliders also has a one-group-in-one-group-out rule but with an internal motion sensor switching a red 'occupied' external light warning that it is 'in use'. The Outback Aviary has sanitiser points and its basic one-way system retained. Wombat den windows are fixed open, although the chances of actually seeing a Wombat are slender! They have gone-to-ground Wombat style as they became very used to the solitude of lock-down and of course our baby has only ever seen our keepers and is not used to the public. Once the autumn is here I guess they will settle in to a routine again.
Our train is not running and wont be during Covid. The revenue stream it generates is much missed, and although in itself it is perfect for social distancing and easy to clean after use, running on paths within the zoo it does cause people to 'bunch' albeit briefly, so the decision has been taken to accept the financial hit and not run it his year. We hope that it can use a new, more open, route up at the bears for next year.
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