Colchester Zoo confirms it will reopen to visitors next week

The Maldon Road zoo has been closed for ten weeks and still faces bills of around £25,000 a day to look after its animals.

Managing director Dominique Tropeano had demanded clarity on the next steps after the attraction warned many zoos were now on their “death bed” .

The latest announcement from the Government confirms zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas are allowed to reopen from next week.

The easing of restrictions on outdoor attractions comes because the risk of spreading the disease is lower outside.

Though the move has been described as a relief, zoos have been told they must not reopen indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses, and must ensure amenities including cafes are takeaway only.

A spokesman for the zoo said: "We are pleased to hear from Tuesday’s announcement that UK zoo’s will be able to reopen from June 15.

"We are happy to share that we intend to reopen next week and we will update you with further information on the exact date and how you can book soon."

For Colchester Zoo the loss of income has run into millions but the real figure will not be known until next year.

The coming months are some of its busiest times of the year with summer, Halloween and Christmas.

The zoo said most attractions expect to only achieve 30 to 50 per cent of normal attendance on reopening.

The zoo has also urged the Government to consider zoos a special case needing further financial help and support after they re-open.

It has warned of a “huge” number redundancies at the facility if support isn't forthcoming.

Colchester Zoo said all visitors, including passholders, must buy or reserve tickets in advance online. 

Staggered arrival times will be in place alongside, markers on the floor to remind people to keep their distance and increased hand-washing facilities.

Visitors will also be asked to bring their own PPE.

• Dominique Tropeano

Other zoos and animal parks in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk are also preparing to reopen.

Claudia Roberts, managing director of the Zoological Society of East Anglia, which runs Banham Zoo in Norfolk and Africa Alive in Suffolk, said the announcement gave them a “fighting chance of survival”.

She said it was hoped both facilities would reopen on July 1, following a deep clean, although cost cutting would still be needed due to income lost during the closure.

But Dr Christoph Schwitzer, chairman of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Biaza), said the organisation was “not under any illusions of the challenges we still face”.

“Many of our members, including aquariums and tropical houses are not able to open and members in other nations remain under lockdown,” he said.

“We will continue to make our case across the nations as well as pushing for urgent financial aid to be made available from governments.

“We are not out of the woods yet.”

Zoo bosses had criticised moves to allow car showrooms, furniture stores and National Trust gardens to reopen with social distancing measures while keeping zoos and safari parks closed.