Deep Sea World prepares to resurface after wrestling with its ‘biggest challenge ever’

Staff at Deep Sea World will open their doors to the public for the first time in three months on Friday July 17.

The North Queensferry aquarium has been under added pressure throughout lockdown as it continued to look after a huge variety of animals, from sand tiger sharks to seals.

A team of aquarists have been on site daily to care for the animals and maintain the attraction.

Kate Cooper, one of the aquarists, said: “It has been strange coming in every day to the empty aquarium but it has given us time to provide more enrichment for our animals as well as work on some of our tanks to make them more attractive.”

Changes in reaction to Covid-19 include hygiene screens and a one-way system to reduce interaction between other visitors.

There are also additional handsanitising facilities throughout the aquarium.

Deep Sea World general manager Adrian Duffey said: “We have built an environment that is safe but still offers the fun, educational experience that our visitors have come to love.

“It has been tough to watch as different shops and businesses open whilst we were still uncertain about our future but now we have a date to look forward to, all the staff have been working hard ready for our opening date.”

Since closure on March 22, Deep Sea World has continued to interact with customers through educational material including online activities.

Mr Duffey added: “This has been the biggest challenge Deep Sea World has ever faced and we appreciate everyone who has supported us through this time.

“We remain hopeful for the future.”

Youngsters will soon be able to visit the North Queensferry attraction again.