The charity that runs the Highland Wildlife Park has welcomed the “fantastic” news that zoos across Scotland can reopen later this month.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland – which also operates Edinburgh Zoo – had hoped to be able to re-open both sites by the start of July to avoid a “financially disastrous” situation which would put the future of both facilities in doubt.
This comes after the charity revealed that a monthly bill of almost £700,000 was needed to keep both parks going.
And First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today that outdoor businesses such as zoos and garden attractions can reopen from June 29 as part of the plan for phase two of leaving lockdown.
She advised people “should not travel more than around five miles to visit them” and “where these places are ticketed, tickets should be bought in advance”.
RZSS chief executive David Field said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome visitors from local areas back to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park at the end of the month.
“Both our parks have large outdoor spaces and there will be a wide range of safety measures in place to protect our visitors, our staff and our animals.
“While we welcome this fantastic news, it is still an incredibly difficult time because we have had to borrow millions of pounds due to the loss of our visitor income.
“We would like to thank everyone for their amazing support so far and for helping us reopen.
“People can help care for our animals and protect threatened species in Scotland and around the world by donating on our website.”
A cross party group of MSPs who set up a petition signed by more than 5,000 people campaigning for Edinburgh Zoo to reopen has also welcomed the move.