Wait goes on for Highland Wildlife Park to reopen
Edinburgh Zoo may have reopened to people living in the capital but local Highland Wildlife Park fans will have to wait a little longer to make their return.
The zoo welcomed back its first customers on Friday and over the weekend.
Entry was limited to Edinburgh city residents because of the current Covid restrictions.
Owners the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland said current Scottish Government guidance means they can now welcome back local residents only.
Tickets were made available to members as a thank you for their support during the pandemic and prepaid ticket holders only.
But the Highland Wildlife Park by Kincraig will remain closed for the time-being with no date yet announced for its return.
David Field is chief executive of the RZSS which owns both popular attractions.
He told the Strathy: “We know so many of our visitors have missed being able to visit Highland Wildlife Park and enjoy our wide-open spaces and amazing animals.
“While our gates will remain closed for now, we hope it won’t be too long before we can safely welcome our wonderful visitors back.
“The support our charity has received over the past year has been incredible and every donation, membership, purchase in our shop and more has helped to feed and care for our animals, and protect threatened species in Scotland around the world.”
Weekend tickets for Edinburgh Zoo for the rest of March are going on sale for those living in the capital, and zoo bosses may add extra dates if there is demand.
A RZSS spokeswoman said on the capital attraction's reopening: "Safety comes first and it is important everyone follows government guidance to protect themselves and others.
"This means they must not travel from outside the local authority area or gather in groups of more than two households with more than two adults and everyone must book a time slot online in advance."
She added: "We can only open outdoors which means all indoor animal areas and our gift shop must remain closed for now. Toilets and changing facilities, takeaway only catering and ‘Click and Collect’ options from our online shop will all be available."
The Covid pandemic has cost the RZSS hundreds of thousands of pounds in lost revenue since the first lockdown started towards the end of March, last year.
