Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Police called as people flock to see zoo animals
‘They can’t be local because otherwise they would know where the footpath is’
People are still flocking to catch a glimpse of wild animals at Howletts despite lockdown restrictions - with reports that some visitors have been defecating in nearby fields. Despite the animal park being shut, a narrow footpath which leads through the attraction in Bekesbourne, near Canterbury, allows them to walk through the site to see the wildlife.
But following health and parking concerns from a resident, police visited the area to ensure people were not flouting government guidelines around social distancing. David Taylor, who lives nearby, says an “excessive amount of people” have been turning up to walk around the area over the past few weeks, and that the situation has been “getting out of hand”. “Where the weather has been so good, people have been asking ‘where do we see the elephants?’,” the 57-yearold said.
“They can’t be local because otherwise they would know where the footpath is. “The cars were blocking Garrington Farm and they were walking down there. “Gates have been open, a cat got out and I also found people have been defecating in the fields.”
He says the footpath is only about 4ft-wide so people are not abiding by social distancing rules. People often use the public footpath to see the animals so they do not have to pay the admission fee. Mr Taylor added: “I have lost a friend to Covid-19 and I work in the medical sector.
“We have all got to follow the guidance.”
A police spokesperson said officers were called on Sunday about concerns people were congregating near Bekesbourne Lane. “Officers attended to engage, explain and encourage those using local footpaths to adhere to the government’s instructions around social distancing,” they said. The Aspinall Foundation, which runs Howletts, was unavailable for comment.
■ The charity has launched an appeal for help funding its £1.5 million food bill during the Covid-19 crisis. Donate at www.aspinallfoundation.org/ animal-support-fund.