Zoos SA unable to reopen under current suggested restrictions

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Zoos SA unable to reopen under current suggested restrictions

June 2, 2020

After careful consultation with South Australia’s Transition Committee, Zoos SA have advised that Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park will require further easing of restrictions until they can reopen.

With over 40,000 members and visitor numbers often into the thousands per day, Zoos SA do not believe the Transition Committee’s suggested cap on numbers or the use of a time-slot system at Adelaide Zoo, which would see groups permitted entry at various times of the day, will be workable, safe or fair to their visitors.

In a statement released today (2^nd June 2020) Zoos SA note “our concerns would be that such limited numbers throughout the day would cause difficulty in managing bottlenecks at our entrances and that a time-limit would impinge greatly on visitors’ enjoyment. It is also not financially viable for us as the costs incurred in opening would not allow us to offset our expenditure.

“While the current outcome is disappointing and our members will be particularly disappointed by this news, we are grateful for the assistance and consideration shown to Zoos SA by the State Government. Most importantly, this means emergency funding to ensure our critical animal care is maintained.

“We keenly await a time when restrictions have eased enough to allow us to reopen in a manner similar to zoos and wildlife parks in most other states. At this stage it appears that this will be on the 3rd July.”

Zoos SA remain hopeful that South Australia’s recovery from the pandemic will continue in its positive manner and that fast-tracking of restrictions will be introduced which will allow them to open sooner rather than later.

3rd April 2020 - Zoos SA launch live streaming keeper talks

2nd June 2020 - SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast keen to share Penguin Encounter Experience following reopening

24th May 2020 - NSW wildlife attractions look to reopen with new safety rules in place

19th May 2020 - Queensland Government provides emergency funding for theme parks and wildlife attractions

25th March 2020 - Currumbin Wildlife Hospital outlines lockdown activity as Zoos across the nation close

23rd January 2020 - Zoos SA plans wildlife recovery strategies following bushfires

13th May 2020 - SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium reopens with additional health and safety measures

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