The Zoo reopened this morning, so now you can go and climb the big hill and see all the animals in the flesh rather than on the various webcams that have been streaming.
The staff at the zoo have of course been working hard during the lockdown to care for the animals, but the lack of visitors has already caused heavy financial losses for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
Listen to Chief Executive, David Field here:
Mr Field said: “Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park have large outdoor spaces and we can reopen safely by introducing social distancing, closing indoor areas, limiting visitor numbers and selling tickets online with time slots.
“Zoos with these covid-secure restrictions will be just as safe as private gardens and far safer than a crowded beach or public park.
“The many educational, physical and mental health benefits of visiting zoos and enjoying nature are also well known, which is why zoos in Europe have been among the first places to reopen.”
Local MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton was delighted when the Scottish Government allowed the reopening today, saying it was due to the Liberal Democrat campaign.
Absolutely over the moon that the Scottish Government have listened to our campaign and allowed Edinburgh Zoo to reopen from the 29th of June! A huge relief for the 300 staff who work there and the animals who depend on them. #SaveOurZoos pic.twitter.com/OOk1m8OlMe
— Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP🔶 (@agcolehamilton) June 18, 2020
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
