Calls for Welsh Mountain Zoo to be allowed to reopen ‘as soon as possible’

The Welsh Government is being urged to allow the reopening of Colwyn Bay’s Welsh Mountain Zoo.

With CADW sites and historic gardens now permitted to reopen, Clwyd West MS Darren Millar said he could not understand why zoos are being kept closed.

The Welsh Conservative MS is therefore calling on ministers to reconsider their stance and allow the outdoor attractions to reopen.

Mr Millar, who established a cross party group on zoos and animal attractions in the Senedd last year, said: “The Welsh Mountain Zoo has 37 acres of open air space and can easily accommodate social distancing by capping visitor numbers.

“It is therefore absolutely ludicrous that it is not allowed to reopen, particularly when other outdoor sites like castles, nature reserves and historic gardens have been able to reopen.

“Zoos and animal attractions across Wales have had a tough 12 months.

“They missed out on the vital Easter trade last year and were closed for longer than in other parts of the UK.

“They were totally dismayed to see other outdoor attractions allowed to reopen at the weekend when they have still been told to keep the doors shut or given a clear date for reopening.

“This lack of clarity and consistency adds insult to injury following the Welsh Government’s decision not to establish a zoos recovery fund.

“Like all businesses, zoos and animal attractions need to be provided with dates so they can plan for reopening; it is totally unfair to leave them in limbo.

“I therefore urge the Welsh Government to allow them to reopen as soon as possible.”