Chester Zoo has shared its plans for reopening after lockdown, weeks after closing to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The zoo has kept fans entertained throughout lockdown with its virtual tours , allowing fans to see their favourite creatures up close from the comfort of their own homes.
Now bosses have revealed that plans are in the works to reopen after lockdown, with some major changes in place.
While no date has been set just yet, the team at Chester Zoo has been working to put several new measures in place.
These will include self-scanning ticket lanes, floor markings to indicate two metre distances, hand sanitisation points, and protective screens in key locations.
The zoo will also be limiting the number of visitors and all booking will be online only when it reopens.
Chester Zoo will also be keeping its indoor animal habitats, restaurants and cafes closed when it finally reopens, though outdoor food and drinks kiosks and picnic areas will remain open.
Touchscreen computers and cash machines will also be out of use.
Jamie Christon, Chester Zoo’s chief operating officer, said: “Chester Zoo remains closed but we hope to reopen our gates again soon.
“When exactly that will be, we don’t yet know, but we’re busy making a whole host of changes to ensure that when the time comes, and when the government makes it possible for us to do so, we’ll be ready to welcome visitors back safely. When we do reopen, it’ll be at the right time.
“We have said many times throughout this crisis that we will beat this, we will bounce back and we won’t ever stop our fight to prevent extinction.
“As ever, we are incredibly grateful to all of our staff, our members, our visitors and our vast support network for helping to protect our fantastic organisation through this. Thank you.
“Thank you so, so much. Will a trip to Chester Zoo be the same as before? No. Will it still have that Chester Zoo magic? You bet it will! Stay safe and hopefully we’ll see you soon.”
