UK zoos & lockdown going forward...

Pertinax said:
At Slimbridge that would mean; parking in the carpark, going through the covered reception area, and then access to the walkway that leads to several bird hides overlooking(first) the Rushy Pen and then further hides overlooking the fields and ponds down toward the Severn Estuary and the new tall hide(forget its name). It would mean the enclosed pens of exotic waterfowl would not be open, or presumably the other hides which can only be accessed by passing through. Quite what the 'exercise' involved in walking down to the bird hides is, I'm not sure.... As mentioned above, Martin Mere can be similarly split between the access to the wild bird hides and the walkthrough waterfowl pens holding the exotic waterfowl. Both Welney & Caelaverock have no exotic collections. Peakirk I know nothing about their layout. Arundel I can't remember but they could probably close off the waterfowl collections. But there is little to see otherwise.
Basically at this time of year(summer) there is little to see from the bird hides anyway, as all the wild waterfowl species are absent.
Click to expand...

I knew Peakirk very well, not that this is very relevant now! It was quite the opposite as it was only an exotic collection, which was always the reason given as to why it effectively was starved of investment/maintenance and eventually sidelined by the Trust as it developed away from what Sir Peter founded. I have very fond memories of it...
Your description of Slimbridge is a little different from that I remember which was entry via swan lake straight into the exotics, albeit with a good smattering of ferals and moorhens. A nice little tropical house with pygmy geese, rows of sheldduck and sheldgeese pens and aviaries for musk-ducks, pink-ears, black-headed ducks etc... I knew there was a reserve (was it called the 'mumbles'?) but never went to it.
 
Last edited:
I was actually looking at visiting Slimbridge earlier and the information on their website is:

upload_2020-6-6_21-25-47.png
 

Attachments

  • upload_2020-6-6_21-25-47.png
    upload_2020-6-6_21-25-47.png
    21.5 KB · Views: 10
Would someone else like to go to the Martin Mere website and confirm (or otherwise) the impression I get that they're planning to open all the outdoor areas (including where the captive collection is kept)? They refer to the "Aviaries" and "Flamingo House" being closed which seems to imply the open-air pens being open to the public. Unless that's what they mean by "aviaries"?

Also rather surprised that they will be opening some of their hides.

EDIT: Zia has posted the relevant section. Thanks.
 
EDIT: Zia has posted the relevant section. Thanks.
Click to expand...
SHAVINGTONZOO said:
Would someone else like to go to the Martin Mere website and confirm (or otherwise) the impression I get that they're planning to open all the outdoor areas (including where the captive collection is kept)? They refer to the "Aviaries" and "Flamingo House" being closed which seems to imply the open-air pens being open to the public. Unless that's what they mean by "aviaries"?

Also rather surprised that they will be opening some of their hides.

EDIT: Zia has posted the relevant section. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Andrew Swales said:
I knew Peakirk very well, not that this is very relevant now! It was quite the opposite as it was only an exotic collection, which was always the reason given as to why it effectively was starved of investment/maintenance and eventually sidelined by the Trust as it developed away from what Sir Peter founded. I have very fond memories of it...
Your description of Slimbridge is a little different from that I remember which was entry via swan lake straight into the exotics, albeit with a good smattering of ferals and moorhens. A nice little tropical house with pygmy geese, rows of sheldduck and sheldgeese pens and aviaries for musk-ducks, pink-ears, black-headed ducks etc... I knew there was a reserve (was it called the 'mumbles'?) but never went to it.
Click to expand...

These both appear to contradict the BIAZA office which told us that WWT have a site-specific-permission to open the 'nature reserve' sections of their zoos only; and that the 'zoo areas' have to stay closed.

Similar is the position at West Lodge Farm Park, which has permission from its local authority and police to open its farm walks only. Despite this, its website advertises the various domestic animals, and it appears from people who know the site that you have to walk past the animals to reach the walks...
 
Andrew Swales said:
I knew Peakirk very well, not that this is very relevant now! It was quite the opposite as it was only an exotic collection, which was always the reason given as to why it effectively was starved of investment/maintenance and eventually sidelined by the Trust as it developed away from what Sir Peter founded. I have very fond memories of it...
Your description of Slimbridge is a little different from that I remember which was entry via swan lake straight into the exotics, albeit with a good smattering of ferals and moorhens. A nice little tropical house with pygmy geese, rows of sheldduck and sheldgeese pens and aviaries for musk-ducks, pink-ears, black-headed ducks etc... I knew there was a reserve (was it called the 'mumbles'?) but never went to it.
Click to expand...

The 'Dumbles'...its the marshy flats bordering the river Severn.

I started visiting Slimbridge again recently after an absence of many years. The entrance area has been majorly modernised, but the actual waterfowl collection is somewhat reduced from Peter Scott's heyday. There are huge numbers of feral greylag geese on the grounds for a start. The layout is the same as it was, but I think you access a different way, or at least there are two different ways in, so they could close off the access to the waterfowl enclosures, leaving the access to the hides. But as I said, a visit under this format will be more like a visit to any local wetland reserve. The tropical house is defunct now...

However Zia's post indicates the whole site is open- with some restrictions.
 
Last edited:
Zia said:
I was actually looking at visiting Slimbridge earlier and the information on their website is:

View attachment 441673
Click to expand...
Which implies that the 'zoo' sections are in fact, open, if access to the indoor Flamingo houses and the new wetland walkthrough aviary are closed. As these are within the main walkthrough waterfowl areas, it implies the whole site is open, but with those particular restrictions and limited hide access.
 
Chester Zoo has just announced it has now reached £2 million on the Go fund me page. Apparently Matt Hancock (Health Secretary) who is from Farndon, Outskirt of Chester is Backing The Zoo to re-open publicly. Chester Council has sent a statement to the local press stating its inspectors are more than happy with procedures Chester Zoo has in place and have given it the green light to open, its the Government thats holding Chester Zoo Back.

BIAZA has again stated the House of Lords will debate on the 11th June the opening of zoos. As Alton Towers and other theme Parks have already been allowed to Open. The statement on Chester Papers states they are not just Favouring Chester Zoo as all Zoo in England, Ireland Scotland and Wales are in the same Boat. But strongly recommend all zoo be looked at on individual merits and if all Safety procedures are in place according to current government Guidlines.
 
Dave Hill said:
Matt Hancock (Health Secretary) who is from Farndon, Outskirt of Chester is Backing The Zoo to re-open publicly. Chester Council has sent a statement to the local press stating its inspectors are more than happy with procedures Chester Zoo has in place and have given it the green light to open, its the Government thats holding Chester Zoo Back.

BIAZA has again stated the House of Lords will debate on the 11th June the opening of zoos. As Alton Towers and other theme Parks have already been allowed to Open. The statement on Chester Papers states they are not just Favouring Chester Zoo as all Zoo in England, Ireland Scotland and Wales are in the same Boat. But strongly recommend all zoo be looked at on individual merits and if all Safety procedures are in place according to current government Guidlines.
Click to expand...
PLEASE post any relevant links. What are 'current government guidelines'? They wont reply to us...
 
Last edited:
SHAVINGTONZOO said:
Indeed. It would be odd for a cabinet minister to take such a position in advance of a government announcement.
Click to expand...
Matt Hancock was contacted as he is from Farndon and Chester Conservative MP is very vocal in calling for Chester zoo to re-open. In statement in the Paper Matt Hancock recalls many happy memories of Chester Zoo and the Conservation work it carries out. he said to walk round a zoo safely will be good for exercise mental and physical wellbeing.
 
Dave Hill said:
Matt Hancock was contacted as he is from Farndon and Chester Conservative MP is very vocal in calling for Chester zoo to re-open. In statement in the Paper Matt Hancock recalls many happy memories of Chester Zoo and the Conservation work it carries out. he said to walk round a zoo safely will be good for exercise mental and physical wellbeing.
Click to expand...

Chester has a Labour MP doesn't it?
 
littleRedPanda said:
Isn't that just the gardens at Alton Towers?

Yes, I've just checked. Theme parks are not opening yet.
Click to expand...


(Updated 4th June) We're getting ready to reopen... Click here for our latest information for guests regarding Covid-19

Just Checked Alton Towers re-opens 4th July - Gardens are open as from Monday.



Covid-19 – Information for Guests
Click to expand...
[Thursday 4th June, 12pm]

We’re getting ready…

In line with current Government guidance, we expect to be able to reopen Alton Towers Resort on the 4th July 2020. We can’t wait to welcome you back!

The health and safety of our guests and staff is always our number one priority and to keep everyone safe, we’ll be introducing a number of additional hygiene and safety measures which you’ll see in place when you next visit.

Look out in the weeks ahead for further information and updates on our reopening times, as well as our latest FAQs on our new operations and safety measures.

We will be led by UK Government and relevant local authorities and will have a phased reopening in accordance with any updates from the Government in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

We will reopen under limited capacity and will continue to look at these measures on a daily basis.

We are looking forward to welcoming guests back to Alton Towers Resort and the health and safety of our guests and staff is always our number one priority. We have introduced a number of new additional hygiene and safety measures which you will see across the Resort.
Click to expand...

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Does anyone know the consequences of a zoo just opening? Is it a fine, loss of licence, jail? This week has seen thousands of people gathering in protest which is clearly against current rules but this is understandably being allowed to take place due to the current situation and the premise of saving lives. Could a zoo or zoos not open in protest given the circumstances that they have to open to the public to save the lives of their animals?
 
Crystal Pallas said:
Does anyone know the consequences of a zoo just opening? Is it a fine, loss of licence, jail? This week has seen thousands of people gathering in protest which is clearly against current rules but this is understandably being allowed to take place due to the current situation and the premise of saving lives. Could a zoo or zoos not open in protest given the circumstances that they have to open to the public to save the lives of their animals?
Click to expand...
Unlimited fine and prohibition notice on each of the visitors, but our LA has not said if this applies to the zoo too.
 
Here's my reply from Paignton's MP:

Thank you for your email and for taking the time to get in touch.


I have had a number of residents get in touch about the position of Paignton Zoo this week and it is good to see such interest in what is one of the most environmentally focused businesses in our bay.


I am a big fan of Paignton Zoo and have been since first visiting as a child back in the 1980’s. In recent decades Zoos, especially Paignton Zoo, have transformed their role from being a place of entertainment and the chance to see an exotic animal, to being a vital safety net for some of the most endangered species from extinction and an educational resource. The ability to see animals up close and understand their behaviours throughout different seasons is an experience which lives an impression on many, including me as Primary School pupil, which compliments, but cannot be replaced, by the type of wildlife and environmental documentaries we can now see at home on the television.


Since March I have been in touch with Ministers about the plight of Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts given the unique challenge they face. I have also spoken with Simon Tongue of the Wild Planet Trust about the issues facing the sector and Paignton Zoo.We are due to speak again early next week.



Whilst they are still considered part of the tourism sector, Paignton Zoo being the bay’s largest paid for attraction, they operate on a fundamentally different basis to other attractions. They also have a cost structure which cannot be wound down during a period of closure, animal welfare needs must be met, unique environments maintained and staff who simply cannot be furloughed due to the nature of their roles supporting the animals.


I was pleased to note a specific package of support being offered to Zoos, in addition to the furlough and business interruption loans scheme, but am conscious this is not in itself going to support larger Zoos which are at the heart of global conservation efforts. I welcome the efforts being made by my colleague Andrew Rosindell as the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Zoos and Aquariums to highlight this issue and him securing an adjournment debate on it next week.


Whilst I will attempt to attend the debate current rules on social distancing in the chamber and my duties on a Bill Committee that afternoon may prevent me from doing so. For clarity an adjournment debate is a short debate at the end of the sitting day, usually lasting 30 minutes. I appreciate why people may wish to see lots of MPs take part, yet from experience it is better if the debate is focused on a case being put forward by the MP leading it, then allowing them to question in detail the Minister’s reply. This is more likely to produce a result than lots of different contributions and knowing Andrew’s passion for this subject and knowledge of it he will have a range of detailed points to pick up with the Minister


In the meantime I will write again to the Minister responsible for Zoos enquiring what work is being done to both identify suitable support packages and to look towards allowing them to re-open under social distancing rules. Whilst it is right the Government follows scientific and medical advice to ensure the virus is kept under control as more outdoor environments have been allowed to re-open under social distancing rules, including car showrooms, garden centres and outdoor markets the position of Zoos should also be considered. At the very least they could be included in the first wave of tourism businesses to be allowed to re-open if cases continue to fall across the country.


I will copy you into my letter and let you know what response I receive from the minister.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top