Battersea Park Children's Zoo in London reopened on Monday 15th June 2020 after 3 months of closure as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The news that English zoos and safari parks were able to reopen was the result of a change in government legislation during the latest stage of easing lockdown restrictions.
Visitors are now able to enjoy the open, outdoor environment whilst reconnecting with many amazing animals, but they can expect a few changes at the zoo alongside some new enhancements.
The government's green light to open comes as some much needed positive news for the team on-site and fans of the Zoo, following what has been the most challenging three months in their history.
The zoo relies entirely on its visitors to fund their work, including animal welfare, conservation projects both in the UK and overseas - whilst also paying the wages of their professional staff.
Closing the zoo as a result of the pandemic has put years of work at risk. With no income to fund expensive daily running costs, the zoo launched a crowdfunding appeal and was overwhelmed by the support they received.
Donations flooded in from as far afield as Australia and with the support of celebrities including Hugh Grant, fans of the zoo raised an astonishing £20,000.
These donations helped the zoo push through the three difficult months in lockdown but the challenge is far from over.
To come out on top and begin to recover they are hoping that the public visits the zoo, enjoying the outdoors and experiencing some of the amazing animals with which we share the planet.
In order to maintain a safe, enjoyable experience for visitors the zoo has implemented a number of measures allowing guests to practise the government's latest social distancing guidelines.
From online ticket bookings, a one-way route around the zoo and a takeaway cafe for outdoor picnics in the park, visitors can support the zoo and experience a great day out after many weeks at home.
To avoid crowds the zoo has suspended their popular animal feeding talks, but have instead introduced fun new virtual talks using smartphone QR code technology at different locations around the zoo!
After many months without this much-loved pillar of the community open to enjoy, it is hoped that local people can begin to feel some form of normality by being able to once again visit Cynthia the pig, Ant and Dec the emu and many other much-loved animals living at the zoo including lemurs, meerkats and Otters.
For visitors that are unable to visit the zoo just yet, donations are still being accepted through the crowdfunding appeal at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/battersea-zoo-crowdfunder.
Keeper Jamie Baker comments: The past few months have been really uncertain for all zoos in the country and without visitors all of our important conservation and education work is at risk of being lost. Hopefully, now that we can open, we will start on the road to recovery. The whole team can't thank the public enough for their ongoing support, thanks to their generosity and kind words we will continue to fight for the environment and educate the next generation on how to save the species that share our planet with us.
