Zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums to re-open but new rules in place
After two months in lockdown, the NSW government has given zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums the green light to reopen. However, health guidelines means certain rules to be put in place to protect both visitors and the animals.
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Giraffe-feeding and koala encounters are on hold – for now, but the seal and free flight bird shows will be back in full fight as Taronga Zoo prepares to re-open its doors next month.
The “new normal” zoo operations – which will set the June 1 blueprint for all other zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums to reopen June 1 – is designed to ensure visitors remain safe while also protecting staff.
At Taronga, it can be revealed that visitor numbers will be reduced to around half of the usual capacity with those wanting to attend having to by tickets online or registering their attendance.
The traditional 20 zookeeper shows – some which allow visitors to interact with the animals – are on hold for now to prevent the gathering of crowds, including the giraffe feeding and koala encounters.
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Also on hold are guided tours, although visitors will be able listen in to talks via Taronga TV on their personal devices as they walk around the zoo.
However, the popular seal show and free flight bird shows will be on although seating requirements will mean family groups will have to sit up to two metres apart.
The NSW government will today announce zoos will be able to re-open June 1 after a two-month hiatus.
To welcome visitors back, Taronga is temporarily offering a 25 per cent discount on tickets while also halving the price of carparking to $9.
As for protecting visitors, cleaning of seating, bathroom and cafes will be significantly stepped up with hand sanitiser and paper towers available throughout the park.
While the Zoos have been in a lockdown, two significant events occurred with the giraffes at Taronga relocated back to their original enclosure after almost two years – part of the new African Savannah – while Western Plains welcomed a new baby hippo calf.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the reopening of zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums would be contingent on the development of a COVID-19 safety plan that addressed the measures in the NSW Health checklist.
“I am sure zoos and wildlife parks right across the state will be excited to be putting out the welcome mat in coming weeks,” he said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the reopening of zoos was another important milestone for NSW after the COVID-19 shutdown.
“Taronga has a special place in the hearts of so many people – I know my own kids all have their favourite animals they can’t wait to see when we visit,” he said.
“With the June long weekend and school holidays not far away this is another step back to normality and will give parents and kids something else to look forward to, but it’s important people follow the rules.”
Taronga Conservation Society Australia chief executive officer Cameron Kerr said the Zoo would become a “safe place” to escape.
“Taronga Zoo is a place where guests can foster meaningful connections with wildlife and enjoy time in nature, which we know is so important for our physical and mental health,” he said.