Going wild for zoo reopenings

Some of Kent’s most exciting attractions were let off the lockdown leash at the weekend as wild animal parks opened their gates to the public for the first time in almost three months. It followed a government change of heart after overwhelming pressure from operators who say the closures had plunged them into financial crisis due to the collapse in revenues.

But with visitors having to pre-book entry and limited to maintain social distancing, it will still take some time for them to recover.

Paul Whitfield, director general at Wildwood at Herne, says it has been the toughest time in the park’s history. “The struggle isn’t over yet, but at least there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. “We would just like to say a huge thank you to the incredible people who have supported us through this.” Writing on Facebook, Lisakay Muggridge said: “We came along this morning and had a lovely experience. I think the measures you guys have put in place are brilliant and easy to understand.” Wingham Wildlife Park bosses are already pushing to boost its new capacity of 500. That’s a tenth of the number it would usually welcome on an average Bank Holiday Monday.

Animal collections curator Markus Wilder said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant but if anything, a little bit quiet. “We were worried that people would turn up without booking a time slot and such, but it’s run more smoothly than we envisaged. “We’ve been waiting a long time for this as the past 10-anda-half weeks have been a real struggle for us.”

Bosses at Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks near Canterbury and Hythe were also delighted to re-open again. With an animal feed bill alone of £1.5 million, it hasn’t come a moment too soon.

Managing director Tony Kelly said: “It is a huge relief that we have been able to welcome visitors to the parks. “This allows us to begin to recover the vital income lost over the past few months. “The money from admissions directly contributes to feeding and caring for the animals. “The animals at both parks have definitely missed visitors coming to see them. Our visitors can enjoy their visit knowing it means more than just a day out - they are supporting the future of conservation.”

With 100 acres at Howletts and 600 acres at Port Lympne, Mr Kelly says its easier for the parks to manage visitors safelty.

A penguin at Wingham Wildlife Park

A magnificent tiger at Wingham

A bear at Wildwood

Excited famiies queue patiently at Wildwood to see the animals

Otters playing at Wildwood

Picture: David Rolfee Monkeying around at Port Lympne

A jaguar prowling its enclosure at Wingham

Picture: David Rolfee Lions lounging at Port Lympne