Blackpool Zoo announces it will not reopen on June 15 – but is hoping to welcome visitors soon

The attraction had been aiming to open in July, but following the Government's announcement late last night (June 9) which said zoos can open from next week, it hopes to reopen earlier.

Staff are now working hard to put a wide range of measures in place to protect both workers and guests.

A spokesperson for Blackpool said: "Following the news that zoos can reopen from Monday, we are doubling our efforts to open as soon as we can.

"We'd been working towards opening in early July, but now hope we can open earlier."

A new Visitor Services Hub and Visitor Services Team have been set up to help with queries and questions.

Visitor numbers will be limited each day and everyone, including members, must book online to guarantee entry.

People will be required to follow social distancing guidelines, onsite signage and make regular use of the additional hand sanitation points that have been installed.

There will be enhanced and increased cleaning and disinfecting of all areas and toilets will be open and manned by attendants to manage numbers within the facilities.

All indoor animal houses will be closed and short podcasts will replace the suspended daily talks, feeds and displays.

Play areas, activities, the miniature train and children’s rides will also be closed but new play trails around the zoo have been developed to keep little ones busy.

They can be downloaded on the website or collected from the Visitor Services Hub.

The main café and some kiosks will be open with a reduced menu on a takeout only basis.

Outdoor eating areas have been increased and redesigned to ensure social distancing can be carried out.

Screens have been installed at all staff interaction points and the gift shops will be open with limited capacity.

Some zoos including London, Chester and Whipsnade, as well as smaller attractions, had warned the Government they faced permanent closure if they were not allowed to reopen soon to visitors who provide their income.

It would not just affect the zoos themselves but the conservation work they do around the world, the attractions said.

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, which are largely outdoor attractions, closed.

Though the Prime Minister today (June 10) announced an easing of restrictions for zoos, they must not reopen indoor exhibitions.