Kolmården Zoo in Sweden is one of the world’s largest zoos, with more than 150 hectares of open nature where guests can walk around on foot. This popular visitor attraction is now preparing to partially open on weekends, from 10 April 2020. It is not covered by the Swedish government’s guidelines on public gathering and events, but nonetheless is bringing in extra precautions.
Rides in the zoo’s Bamses World and Marine World will not be open, and the attraction will also be limiting the number of visitors in the park. Social distancing will be observed in the queue and throughout the zoo and several new cleaning procedures have been implemented.
Limited opening
Tickets must be booked online, to help the zoo keep a cap on the number of visitors to the park each day. The zoo is introducing a maximum ceiling of 1,500 people at the same time in the park. In addition to this, to avoid crowds gathering, animal shows and public feeding sessions have been cancelled. Visitors will be expected to keep a sensible distance from others, for example, while queuing for entry and for food and drink.
“What has been absolutely crucial to our decision to open the zoo is that we can do it safely for everyone, both staff, animals and guests,” says Christine Karmfalk, CEO of Kolmården. “I hope and believe that many of these times want to be able to do outdoor activities with their children safely and with the measures we have now taken we can offer both a safe and wonderful experience to our guests.”
To begin with, Kolmården Zoo will only stay open on weekends, for those who have already booked a year pass or a room at the attraction’s wilderness hotel, which also does not come under the ban on gatherings.
The zoo has made it clear that any visitors or staff who are feeling unwell should stay home.
While Singapore Zoo has so far managed to remain open, new regulations came into place this week meaning that all attractions in the city will be closed until 4 May.
Top image kind courtesy of Kolmården Zoo.
