Paradise Wildlife Park had full hopes to be reopened with social distancing measures by June 2020. However, as the pandemic continues at its alarming rate, Paradise Wildlife Park announces it will be closed for at least another month.
As Paradise Wildlife Park is run by the charity Zoological Society of Hertfordshire, it depends on ticket sales, animal experiences and on-site purchases to continue the upkeep of their wonderful animals. While in lockdown, it costs roughly £3,000 a day to just take care of the animals alone. So, while the park cannot welcome even a restricted number of visitors, it continues to go without this income that would go directly towards the health and wellbeing of Hertfordshire’s zoo animals.
Tyler Whitnall, Director of Paradise Wildlife Park and Trustee of The Big Cat Sanctuary says: “It is very sad that Paradise and the Sanctuary cannot open as we hoped for. However, we know this is the safest outcome for everyone so we will continue to adapt as the government suggests. We hope that our online viewers and supporters continue to help support the charities in these unprecedented times and we hope to welcome the public back when it is safe to do so”
Although the Emergency Animal Support Fund and Facebook Fundraiser page has been successful so far at drumming up some income for the animals, Paradise Wildlife Park is by no means out of the woods. Through livestreams of their keepers and animals, the teams at Paradise hoped that their social media viewers would see how important supporting the animals are not just for the park but for the world’s wildlife populations. From the adorable fluffy Red Pandas to squeaking Otters to the regal Lion pride, every animal needs the generosity and support from the public.
In aid of this, the sister site of Paradise Wildlife Park, The Big Cat Sanctuary is putting on a whole day’s worth of exclusive behind the scenes content for the Spots and Stripes Day! On Friday 29th of May 2020 the Sanctuary will encourage the nation to come together to enjoy a cat themed day of activities for the whole family plus raise much needed funds for their animals. If you are interested in playing along, meeting some big cats, some celebrities and even winning a trip to Kenya, please check out their Facebook Event page.
If you are wanting to support the animals in their care through this difficult time, you can do so by adopting your favourite species. From Paradise Wildlife Park you can choose to adopt a whole range of different animals from small mammals to big cats. Likewise, at the Sanctuary you can choose to adopt a whole number of big and small cats they house. Not only is this a great gift for yourself or loved one but it also greatly helps the site while they remain closed to the public.
Even though both sites have to remain closed for at least another month, they will keep positive and hopeful for good news soon. The reaction and support from visitors and the Hertfordshire community has been very much appreciated and will not be forgotten in a hurry.
