WEST Midland Safari Park has said changes will be made to the way the park operates once it reopens from lockdown.

The Wyre Forest attraction closed on March 19 in response to the coronavirus outbreak and bosses have said the park will only reopen when it is safe to do so.

A spokesman said: “We will only reopen once we feel it is safe to do so, and following advice given by the Government and Public Health England.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Three endangered dhole pups born at West Midland Safari Park in 2019Three endangered dhole pups born at West Midland Safari Park in 2019

"When the decision is made to reopen, we will be ready to welcome back the many visitors we know are looking forward to it and will put measures in place if necessary.”

The park is yet to reveal what form these social distancing measures could take, but confirmed “there will be operational changes to ensure everyone is safe”.

More than 100 staff at the safari park are currently furloughed - the majority of which are from seasonal roles and some permanent team members - while others on permanent contracts have moved to short-time working.

The park said this is being constantly reviewed.

According to its website, West Midland Safari Park currently has no plans to open the drive through during the closure period.

Since its closure, the park has welcomed two new babies.

The birth of the Père David deer calves - a species classified as extinct in the wild - was announced in April.

A park spokesman said: “As we have said before, the decision to close on March 19 was not easy, but was both necessary and sensible for the safety and wellbeing of our guests, staff and animals."

They added: “We have a well-loved collection of wildlife here at the Park and they have continued to receive the best care from our team of keepers who are sticking closely to social distancing guidance. The animals are doing really well and everyone will be pleased to hear that they have been enjoying the continued sunshine we’ve had in recent weeks.”