Taronga Western Plains Zoo has confirmed it will reopen on Monday, ending its more than two-month closure amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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Dubbo's premier tourist attraction initially shut the gates on March 25 to ensure the safety of its guests, staff and animals and prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
The zoo reports since then it has continued to work with the advice provided by NSW Health and the state and federal governments, and will now reopen in "a controlled and responsible way".
It coincides with the restart of recreational regional travel within the state, permitted from next Monday.
Daily visitor numbers to the zoo will be capped to ensure social distancing throughout the zoo and all guests will be required to pre-purchase tickets online for a specific date and time.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo director Steve Hinks said the organisation's work had not stopped while the gates were shut and the team was looking forward to opening once more.
"Our region has faced incredible hardship, uncertainty and stress in recent years," Taronga Western Plains Zoo director Steve Hinks said.
"We've dealt with severe drought followed by a global pandemic that has impacted our lives in ways we could never have imagined.
"During the temporary closure our team has been working hard to ensure our zoo remains at its absolute best, with keepers caring for over 700 animals and our works and trade team going above and beyond to maintain the grounds and animal habitats.
"This work means that we're ready to reopen safely and once again provide memorable and unique family adventures on our 300-hectare site."
Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders said the zoo's imminent reopening was great news for the Dubbo region, after the announcement of the return of regional travel.
"Tourism makes a significant contribution to the Dubbo region of over $300 million annually, and the zoo as our major attraction is a very big part of that," Mr Saunders said.
"Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a much loved institution and I am so pleased that local families, children and animal lovers will once again have access to the zoo's beautiful surrounds and wildlife."
The zoo's top priorities on reopening are "for individuals and families to enjoy their visit, while at the same time keeping them, zoo staff and animals, safe and healthy".
As such, the zoo has put the multiple measures in place, including:
Taronga Western Plains Zoo will continue to carefully follow all social distancing guidelines;
- Additional cleaning will be undertaken, particularly around bathrooms, food service areas and hard surfaces in frequently visited areas;
- Daily visitor numbers will be limited to remove any risk of overcrowding, with a fixed number of tickets available per session;
- Zoo Friends members and complimentary ticket holders will be required to register their visit online before attending the zoo;
- Indoor spaces, exhibits and dining areas will be restricted in line with current guidelines;
- Keeper Talks, Animal Encounters and tours will not resume at this time, however guests will for the first time be able to view virtual Keeper Talks on their hand held devices whilst in zoo grounds;
- The zoo's overnight experiences, Zoofari Lodge and Savannah Cabins, will reopen on June 4 (bookings already open), however Billabong Camp will remain closed to the public.
- For the safety of animals as well as visitors, the Deer Walkthrough and Goat Kraal Walkthrough will be closed to the public;
- Signage encouraging social distancing and hygiene measures is being installed throughout the zoo along with sanitizing stations.
New baby animals at the zoo
Guests visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo following reopening will be treated to something extra special - a newborn male hippo calf named Kani, meaning strength.
The calf is one month of age and is growing in size and confidence.
In the coming months, five Asian small-clawed otter pups born in late April will also start to emerge from their den and are sure to be a highlight for guests.
"We have missed our guests and being able to share our wonderful location and wildlife with the community," Mr Hinks said.
"Whilst we have been keeping people at home up to date with zoo happenings via Taronga TV and social media, our reopening will no doubt be a welcome opportunity for families to enjoy some time outdoors."
For more information about Taronga's reopening and the safety measures in place, please visit our website: taronga.org.au.
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