Disappointment as u-turn keeps wild animal parks shut

Extended closure branded unfair and illogical

Wildlife parks across the district were dealt a blow this week after the government blocked their long-awaited reopening. The owners of Wildwood Trust at Herne say they are “bitterly disappointed” to be forced to remain closed following a last-minute decision to keep zoos locked down. Howletts in Bekesbourne and Wingham Wildlife Park were also gearing up to welcome visitors back with social distancing measures in place, but now face a longer wait for normality to return. Wildwood’s general director Paul Whitfield says caring for the animals costs £11,000 a week and the loss of income during the enforced closure has led to “grave financial challenges” for the 40-acre site.

“It is such a blow to us and doesn’t seem fair or logical when botanical gardens and indoor shops will be open,” he said. The park is home to a wide range of endangered British species, including those which used to roam the countryside, such as bears, wolves, wild boar and lynx.

“We have planned our reopening carefully and invested funds we really do not have at the moment to be able to open safely,” Mr Whitfield continued. “It honestly doesn’t make any sense to me that we have to remain closed. “Lockdown has meant months of lost revenue and now another month of lost income is a real blow at what is usually the park’s busiest time of year. “As it stands now, the earliest possible date for reopening the park to the public looks to be July 4 but we still do not know that for certain. “Despite the amazing generosity of our supporters, the fact is that this closure will really hurt us financially. The care of the animals is my highest priority and no matter what we will take care of them all.” Bosses at Howletts say they are also preparing to reopen to visitors on July 4. “There is ample space for guests to visit and socially distance themselves from other guests while viewing the animals and helping the charity to recover some of the lost income to the coronavirus crisis,” said a spokesman. Meanwhile, a spokesman for Wingham Wildlife Park says they are “tentatively” looking forward to reopening on July 4, adding: “We do not have a confirmed reopening date at the moment, however we are ready to and will work within government guidelines.”

A resident owl at Wildwood