COLCHESTER Zoo has confirmed it will reopen to visitors for the first time in more than three months on Monday.

Under the latest stage of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown non-essential shops, hairdressers and hospitality firms with outside space can reopen next week.

The rule changes, coming into place from Monday, also mean attractions such as zoos can reopen.

Colchester Zoo has confirmed it will welcome back visitors on this date, a much-needed boost for struggling facility.

Managing director Dr Dominque Tropeano OBE warned the experience would be a little different than usual.

“Reopening will bring some issues. Our daily number of visitors will be limited to comply with current restrictions, therefore you may be disappointed as we appreciate it will be difficult to get a ticket,” he said.

“We still need income from visitors so will share our daily attendance between paying visitors and Gold Passholders, but we hope by May restrictions will be less severe.

“I hope you will see and agree we are doing our best for everyone but at the same time we need to stay alive and positive building up some cash reserve just in case there is another twist around the corner.”

The zoo has been struggling financially due to months of enforced closures over the past year.

Cuts have had to be made to planned improvements, including a new £1.5 million education centre, as well as to the support offered to conservation projects.

Some staff have also lost their jobs, however, supporters have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support to zoo.

Dr Tropeano said: “From me, my family, my colleagues who makes Colchester Zoo what it is - thank you for your past support, thank you for your support now and support in the future,” he said.

“We are very dedicated to our mission to all our animals and to you our audience.

“It is time to stand with pride looking towards the future with hope, kindness and the knowledge we can all do our share to ensure Covid belongs to the past.”

The zoo will be operating at reduced capacity to maximise social distancing space.

All tickets must be booked for a specific timeslot in advance whilst some parts of the zoo will remain closed for the time being.

To find out more about the zoo’s reopening plans, visit www.colchester-zoo.com.