'Big Sigh Of Relief': Isle Of Wight Zoo Reacts To Government Reopening Announcement

Wednesday, 10 June 2020 16:11

By Iona Stewart-Richardson @IslandIona

Animal centres and zoos can reopen on the Isle of Wight from next week, the Prime Minister has confirmed this evening (Wednesday).

The news has been welcomed by the Isle of Wight Zoo, which described the announcement as a 'big sigh of relief'.

Boris Johnson says the Government believes all five tests for easing the lockdown are being met. This means from Monday out-door attractions such as drive-in cinemas, zoos and safaris can welcome visitors again.

The Prime Minister said:

"I am happy to confirm zoos can open from Monday, with social distancing measures in place"

He added that indoor areas such as reptile houses must still be kept closed.

Charlotte Corney, Founder at The Wildheart Trust (IW Zoo), said:

“Our community is breathing a big and overdue sigh of relief today after hearing the news that we’re likely to be able to re-open to our visitors who are the vital funders of the animal welfare and conservation service we provide.

“Never has there a been a more critical time for our organisations to support endangered wildlife given that we’ve already entered into the 'Sixth Mass Extinction'.

“However big or small, zoos and sanctuaries all operate on tiny margins but for us, failure is not an option and we cannot entertain thinking the unthinkable. We have an unwavering duty of care to our animals as individuals as well as to species survival; it is adverse human activity which has put them into a captive position and thus it is our moral duty to ensure their security.

“Bob has been fantastically supportive of our plight throughout the pandemic, liaising with us about securing funding pots and planning for the Island offer to be less weather dependant and more resilient into the winter months when we’ll need to scoop up as much lost trade as possible.”

Rachel Patrick, Head Keeper at Amazon Zoo World said it faces a huge uphill battle in the coming months:

'Firstly, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their kind messages and offers of support since our statement on Monday.

'The Prime Minister announced last night that all Zoo’s can open from Monday 15^th June however all indoor areas must remain closed, as you are all aware half our zoo is inside. More information regarding the rules around the re-opening of zoos is set to be released by the government on Saturday and at that point we will be able to make a better decision on how to proceed. We also must continue to keep the welfare of our staff and animals paramount in our decision making.

'We are desperate to open and welcome you all back, Covid 19 is having a huge impact on the Zoo financially and mentally and there is still a huge uphill battle to face in the coming months.Once again we thank you all for your support throughout this difficult time.'

Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary says it plans to open mid-July.

They posted a statement on Facebook:

The MP for the Isle of Wight, Bob Seely said:

“This is good news for our local zoo which I know has been struggling through the Covid-19 pandemic. I have been in contact with them in recent weeks to hear about the challenges they face, and I have been escalating their concerns to Government.

“Like many others across the country, our zoo has lost income due to the necessary restrictions forcing closure, yet they have had to keep caring, and paying for, the animals throughout this period. They need our support.

“I hope that Islanders will get behind the Isle of Wight Zoo and our other animal attractions and help to keep them going until visitors can return. This may mean visiting in person if safe to do so, or it may be through supporting fundraising activity.”

Mr Seely will be attending a debate on Zoos in Parliament tomorrow (Thursday).