COLCHESTER Zoo will reopen to visitors from Thursday, the attraction’s bosses have announced.

The Maldon Road zoo has been closed for almost three months, putting serious strain on its finances.

Kind-hearted supporters have raised more than £100,000 to keep the facility running via its operating fund.

But with Government restrictions being relaxed, the zoo can now reopen, albeit with visitor numbers capped and new safety measures in place.

Director Dr Dominque Tropeano has written to supporters announcing the reopening date and also a special invitation only day to thank supporters.

He said: “This day has been reserved for the hundreds of people who over the past three months have given us unbelievable support, inspiration and comfort when our moral was low.

“So, by hosting this pre-opening day this is a gesture of a much needed thank you.

“We would have loved to have been able to invite everyone who has donated and supported us through these difficult times but unfortunately due to the capacity allowed within the park we had to select donors and supporters randomly to be fair and provide limited tickets per person.”

Dr Tropeano said the zoo still had many unanswered questions about how its reopening will look, but more should become clear when more Government advice is issued.

The summer is traditionally the zoo’s busiest time with up to 130,000 people attending in August.

A visitor cap could see this more than halved which will mean the zoo’s finances remain severely strained for some time.

Dr Tropeano has warned investment may have to be scaled back at the facility.

He said: “The negative financial impact will continue because of the lower numbers, the lower price too but we also expect a large reduction of sales within both our catering and retail outlets.

”Please continue to support us the best you can, including by visiting as often as you can.

“Every penny we make is always reinvested into the zoo, improving both animal and visitors’ facilities but also participating or funding conservation; important conservation projects in many countries of the world.

“This expected loss of income has meant survival will be a challenge.

“We will need to be careful with our spending but also ensure we build reserves should the pandemic return we will be able to cope better.”

“We no longer will be able to make the huge investment we had planned, instead we will concentrate on smaller but at the same time important improvement projects which will enhance the zoo, keep it fresh and interesting whilst also improving facilities for animals and public alike.”

Visit colchester-zoo.com.