Sussex zoo announces reopening date - here’s all you need to know

A popular Sussex zoo has announced when it will be reopening – after 97 days being closed during lockdown.
Drusillas Park SUS-200616-093828001Drusillas Park SUS-200616-093828001
Drusillas Park SUS-200616-093828001

The public will be able to return to Drusillas Park in Alfriston from Friday, June 26.

Deputy managing director Cassie Poland said, “We are really excited to be reopening and to finally have a date we can welcome visitors back to Drusillas.

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“We have now had the official guidelines through, and we will open just the zoo initially.

Drusillas Park SUS-200616-093816001Drusillas Park SUS-200616-093816001
Drusillas Park SUS-200616-093816001

“From Saturday July 4, we anticipate being able to open all rides and play areas and are anxiously waiting for the government green light.”

In the first week of reopening, just the zoo will be open to the public whilst the rides and play areas remain closed.

Oasis Cafe will be serving takeaway food and drink and there will only be one shop open, with a restriction on the number of people allowed in at any given time.

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Ms Poland said, “During the first week, based on government guidelines, we sadly will not be running any of our VIP experiences such as animal encounters and Keeper for the Day.

“Our walkthrough enclosures Lemurland, Lory Landing and sloth and bat walkthrough will also remain closed for now.”

But she said, “After July 4, we hope to have the rides, play areas and most of our other attractions open! We also anticipate opening our other shops, our walkthrough enclosures and restarting our VIP experiences.

“We hope that everyone can understand the reasoning for this phased reopening and that we can all look forward to opening fully.

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“Our main priority is to keep our staff and the public safe and we have been working very hard to ensure this with detailed risk assessments, lots of training and enhanced cleaning regimes.”

Staff have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that Drusillas is a safe place for families to visit worry free.

Some of the key health and safety measures being implemented include: a one way zoo route, social distancing floor markings and signage, increased availability of hand sanitisers and hand washing facilities, enhanced cleaning regimes with a focus on touch points, queue management facilities, restricted visitor numbers, hygiene screens and the cancellation of any event that causes crowds to gather.

A full list of Drusillas health and safety measures can be found on its website: www.drusillas.co.uk/corona-virus-visitor-information

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Drusillas is also urging visitors to book tickets online before coming to visit the Park. Anyone who does not book a ticket online in advance will not be guaranteed entry.

Ms Poland said, “We cannot stress enough the importance of booking your tickets online before you visit. We are working hard to ensure Drusillas remains a safe and enjoyable place to visit and this does include limiting the number of people that can visit.

“So please, if you are coming to visit us, book your tickets online first.

“We are really excited to be reopening and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back. 97 days is such a long time to be closed and we are really looking forward to getting back to it and settling into the new normal.”

Located just off the A27 in Alfriston, Drusillas Park will be open daily from 10am on Friday, June 26. For more information, call 01323 874100 or visit www.drusillas.co.uk

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