BOSSES at Dudley Zoo are breathing a sigh of relief following a “highly successful” opening day after three months of lockdown closure.
The Castle Hill attraction welcomed visitors for the first time since March on Monday (June 15) after the government gave the green light for zoos to reopen with social distancing measures.
The announcement came just days after bosses went public with the scale of the economic impact of lockdown, revealing the zoo was losing £100,000 a week due to evaporated ticket revenue.
Visitors, including Dudley North MP Marco Longhi, passed through the gates for the first time in 12 weeks, with zoo director Derek Grove saying the demand for pre-booked tickets had been incredible.
Mr Grove said: “It’s been a long and trying 12 weeks, but it was fantastic to be able to reopen our gates and finally welcome visitors back on site. The reopening proved highly successful for visitors and reaffirmed our belief that the limitations onsite still deliver an enjoyable day out with ample space for social distancing.
“The demand for pre-booked tickets has been incredible and the success of the new layout has enabled us to continue to increase the daily ticket allocation to ease demand.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support over the past three months and particularly everyone who helped set the case for outdoor ticketed attractions such as our zoo to reopen this week.”
Dudley North MP Marco Longhi and his family were among the first visitors, following his calls for zoos to reopen.
Mr Longhi said: “I’m delighted that Dudley Zoo and Castle have been allowed to reopen. I have received countless emails and social media messages from constituents keen to see the zoo reopen, and to offer support to the vital conservation work.
“I was pleased to learn that the zoo has already sold out to visitors in its opening week, showing the huge support from the public. I would urge people to continue to support and visit.
“It was a pleasure to meet all the staff I did meet and how I want to congratulate them all for their dedication. I will continue to lobby government to revisit the support package for zoos and wildlife parks.”
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