Lots of UK outside spaces were full of unexpectedly large crowds yesterday and with Mothering Sunday today it has the potential to be worse. I went out for some outdoor isolation but had to drop one choice of destination because it was clearly too busy. Unfortunately I tend to think things have changed since the London announcement for an obvious tourist draw like Whipsnade.
Wingham have withdrawn their 'mothers free' offer in the last few minutes, to avoid overcrowding, but still getting abuse for staying open.
Do you think this is a response to people's apparent (hedging here because I'm not around) inability to social-distance safely?
Yes - absolutely. The advice is you can go outside if you avoid crowds/groups and stay 2m from other people. There's a lot of places where these things aren't happening, and places like Whipsnade are understandably reluctant to appear to be encouraging anyone.
Twycross is still open but now limited to 1000 guest per day so should make the entrance road a night mare again today, it says per day so I guess when they get to a 1000 they close the gate unless they mean 1000 at a time doing a one in one out. They have justified being open on government welbeing grounds https://twycrosszoo.org/
Colchester Zoo will be closing to the public from tomorrow (23rd March). A message from the zoo's director is included below: Temporary Zoo Closure | Colchester Zoo
I'd be surprised if there were even half that number at Twycross last Sunday anyway, I think many are too scared to leave their home (assuming they aren't in isolation anyway!)
Absolutely, yesterday's incidents of thousands flocking to coastal resorts, filling cafes and amusement arcades plus the free to enter National Trust estates clearly hasn't helped matters for the zoos which probably could have remained open relatively safely! I wonder about the decision to make National Trust entry free - clearly not a sensible one with hindsight!
Staffing issues? Lack of visitors making it economically not worth it? Or alternatively - a high number of online tickets being sold has made them realise social distancing would be compromised?
Assuming that all zoos will follow suit in the end and close, through choice or public opinion ( lack of guest ) perhaps a poll or sweep stake is in order on here for the last to go, let’s be honest we are sone going to run out of things to discuss
With all their animal houses closed, and most of the primates, in particular, preferring to be indoors if its at all cold and windy, there won't be a great deal left for folk to see there today. I wonder how long they will hold out before closing like so many others have. I think soon all will be closed...
Considering how much the owner generally loathes the casual zoo-goer, most people would stay away regardless! Actually Damian’s own ego could probably deter the virus itself should it ever encounter him! A powerful weapon indeed!
