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'Post-lockdown' zoo visit impresses local politicians


September 05, 2020 - 912 views

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has praised Colwyn Bay’s Welsh Mountain Zoo for the “excellent measures” it has taken to safely welcome visitors back amid the Covid-19 pandemic after visiting the popular attraction this week.

Darren and Conwy County Borough Councillor Mary Doyle visited the zoo yesterday and were both impressed by the actions that have been taken to ensure that both visitors and staff are protected from the virus.

During their visit they met with CEO Nick Jackson to discuss the challenges the zoo has faced as a result of the pandemic and were given a tour of the site.

Darren, who, as lockdown measures were being eased, sent a letter to the First Minister emphasising the Welsh Mountain Zoo’s status as the National Zoo of Wales and called for it to be given “special consideration for support from the Welsh Government”, said:

“I have always been a great supporter of the Welsh Mountain Zoo having visited many times over the years and it was fantastic to return on Tuesday.

“The sun was shining and it was great to see so many visitors milling around. The zoo has established a pre-book only system so it can control numbers on site to maintain social distancing. There have also invested in signage and sanitation points to protect visitors and staff.

“The measures they have in place are excellent and I am sure visitors feel very safe there, I know I did.

“While we were there we were shown the zoo’s impressive new snow leopard enclosure and exhibition. It is a £1 million investment as part of the zoo’s Silk Road project. We also had the pleasure of greeting Genghis the Bactrian camel. All in all it was a fantastic visit and I wish the zoo the very best moving forward.”

Cllr Doyle said: “It has been an extremely challenging year for the zoo and there was concern during lockdown that it wouldn’t survive this pandemic, however, following my visit I feel confident that it will.

“It has so much to offer and is very popular with locals and tourists alike, as we witnessed first-hand yesterday.

“Nick and the rest of the team at the zoo have worked tremendously hard to accommodate visitors safely and I applaud them for all their efforts.”

CEO Nick Jackson added: “2020 has undoubtedly been the most testing year in our history, but I was pleased that we were able to reopen before the start of the summer holidays and welcome visitors back during the peak season.

"A lot of changes had to be put in place for reopening, but we achieved this and are still able to offer our visitors a great, value for money family day out.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Darren and Mary on Tuesday and to show off all our attractions, old and new, including our lovely Genghis.”