Colchester Zoo is getting ready to re-open as Boris Johnson prepares to provide the roadmap out of lockdown tomorrow.

In March last year the zoo closed its doors for what would become the first of three national lockdowns to stop the spread of Covid-19.

It has been closed since January as part of the third lockdown.

Despite being closed, the zoo still has over 10,000 animals to feed and has been been reliant on generous donations.

On Monday Boris Johnson will outline how lockdown will come to an end and when places can reopen to the public.

It is thought outdoor leisure such as theme parks and zoos as well as golf, open-air gyms and tennis could also resume in April.

However pubs, bars and restaurants would have to wait until May and a full pub reopening in early June.

Now Colchester Zoo has set out how it will prepare to reopen.

A spokesman said: "Although it is not quite certain as to when Colchester Zoo will be able to reopen again whilst lockdown continues we have started to plan our reopening.

"It is thought that on reopening the zoo will have the same restrictions as before closure, if not more.

"Until we have clarification from the Government, we will not know for certain what the restrictions for reopening will be.

Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo

"Colchester Zoo would like to reassure the community that the zoo will be a managed, safe and controlled-environment to visit after lockdown.

"The restricted capacity and pre-booking arrival slots will continue to help manage the number of people in the park each day.

"Therefore, the zoo will be an ideal attraction to come to and enjoy a safe day out to reunite with family and friends in a socially distanced environment with safety measures in place."

Read more:

Ticket prices will remain the same and visitors will be able to donate £1 per ticket to its charity Action for the Wild.

To begin with on reopening the zoo will be releasing tickets 2 days in advance for both paying visitors and passholders.

Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo

The zoo has also set out the safety measures it will be putting in place.

They are the following:

  • There will be a restriction on the number of visitors per day to ensure they can comply with social distancing measures.
  • All visitors, including passholders, must buy/reserve tickets in advance online to aid with managing the capacity
  • Tickets will be available online in times slots so that we can space out arrival times. This is based on 30-minute slots throughout the day (this refers to arrival time only)
  • Staff are receiving daily health checks before starting work and wearing the relevant PPE. Staff have also receive additional training
  • Thorough and regular deep cleaning and disinfecting is being carried out across the zoo throughout the day
  • Following Government Guidance in England, face coverings MUST be worn in ALL indoor buildings.
  • All visitors must bring their own PPE including face coverings and follow personal hygiene regimes during their visit
  • A Social Distance Route which is one-way where possible has been set out within the park and two-way where space allows
  • There are demarcations on the floor wherever possible to assist with social distancing.
  • Signage is in place throughout the park to remind visitors to keep their distance from one another and to wash hands regularly
  • Visitors are asked to use contactless payment whenever possible and only use cash as a last resort
  • The indoor children’s play area remains closed. Face painting also remains closed until further notice.
  • Food and dining options are limited. All food at Colchester Zoo is freshly prepared on site by staff who will be in relevant PPE with their health checked daily so you can trust the food that you consume on a day out with us
  • Toilet facilities are available throughout the zoo but limited
  • Daily public keeper talks and feeds will not take place until further notice in order to prevent crowding