Everything you need to know as Yorkshire Wildlife Park reopens

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is open again from Monday, June 15, after lockdown restrictions were eased.
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But the park has had to make big changes to keep staff and visitors safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Numbers at the site have been restricted and all visitors – even annual pass holders – must now book online, with the following time slots for arrival available to reduce queuing: 9am-10am, 11.30am-12.30pm, 2pm-3pm.

Polar bears at Yorkshire Wildlife ParkPolar bears at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Polar bears at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
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Guests will only be able to book up to two weeks in advance initially, they have been asked to book no more than six tickets for any day and no refunds or changes to tickets will be allowed.

The park, which opens on Monday exclusively for annual pass holders and the following day to all visitors, will close at 6pm and most guests are expected to stay for around three hours.

Visitors have been reminded to observe the two-metre social distancing guidelines at all times and if they are showing any COVID-19 symptoms to stay at home.

Staff will be monitoring the car park and queues at the entrance, two-metre distance markers will be in place around the site, visitors may be asked to walk in single file along narrower paths and a one-way system is in place on the tiger and okapi walkways.

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No paper maps will be distributed, but a map is available to download online, and there will be wash stations around the park with hand sanitiser available.

Some cafes and restaurants will be open for takeaways and guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, though no picnic facilities are available.

The cleaning regime has been ‘super enhanced’, and there will be staff monitoring queues and cleaning at each of the toilet blocks.

There will be no feeding times, ranger talks, big bug or deadly bug shows as those encourage crowds to gather, but information is available on the park’s app.

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Indoor and outdoor play areas will be closed in line with government guidance, and the giraffe house will also be shut.

The park furloughed 70 per cent of its 250 staff during the lockdown, which it estimates cost it around £5 million.

For more information, visit yorkshirewildlifepark.com.