VISITORS to West Midland Safari Park will be able to catch a first glimpse at the newly-completed luxury elephant habitat when the attraction reopens from lockdown next week.
The park’s African elephants will now be visible for safari drive-through guests at their new habitat, which has been purpose-built into the long-awaited Safari Lodges development.
The area includes a vast drinking pool and waterfall which will be at the forefront of the new reserve.
Preparations are well under way for the safari park's big reopening on Monday, April 12 - in line with the official government roadmap out of lockdown.
The park has been closed since early January and excitement is building in the lead up to welcoming guests back to visit the site’s walk-through attractions, theme park rides, food outlets, shops, and of course, its four-mile safari drive-through, where guests will also be able to spot the park’s latest arrival, Inesh the Indian rhino calf, as he starts to explore the reserves.
Managing director Chris Kelly said “After what has been a very long winter and an extremely tough 18 months for everyone during this global pandemic, we’re thrilled to be seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, starting with the park’s reopening next week!
“Our staff have been working incredibly hard to prepare all areas of the park, so that guests can have a safe and enjoyable visit when we welcome them back.
"We will be encouraging our guests to continue to adhere to all our safety procedures and will be monitoring government guidelines closely, as we navigate our way through the months ahead in lifting various measures.
“With the launch of our highly-anticipated Safari Lodges, also happening next week, we’re very excited about the future to come and a much brighter, prosperous year.”
Staff have been working especially hard to ensure all various safety measures are in place, including regular disinfecting of public areas, additional hand sanitising stations, limiting the number of guests entering shops, takeaway food offerings only, and new signage to ensure social distancing is adhered throughout.
The park will also be implementing the government’s mandatory NHS Test and Trace Scheme, which all guests over the age of sixteen must check in to upon arrival.
The park’s food outlets will be operating as takeaway propositions for the time being, and indoor attractions including Lorikeet Landing, Reptile House, Aquarium and Twilight Cave will remain closed for now.
All of these measures will be reviewed regularly in relation to the latest government guidelines.
Spring and summer months are usually a very busy time for West Midland Safari Park, and as guest numbers are limited for safety reasons, visitors are being asked to book all tickets in advance to guarantee entry at wmsp.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here