Do I need to wear a face covering?

Visitors are advised to wear face coverings in all enclosed buildings, including the Ticket Office / Gift Shop, Reptile House, Bunny Barn, Toilets, Coffee Shop, and Lakeside Restaurant. Under 11’s are exempt from this rule.

What precautions are in place to ensure a safe visit?

At Ponderosa Zoo, the safety of our staff, animals and visitors is our top priority. Therefore, we have implemented several safety precautions to maintain a safe environment. These are as follows:

• Our opening times will be limited from 10:00am – 5:00pm.
• To help limit visitor numbers, tickets will be available to purchase via our website only. All ticket bookings will be required to select a specific time slot for arrival. These time slots will be in half an hour arrival slots starting at 10:00am – 10:30am until 3:30pm – 4:00pm.
• We have installed perspex screens in the Ticket Office and Coffee Shop to reduce contact.
• You will also see plenty of signs and notices around the zoo informing visitors about social distancing and reminding individuals to wash their hands and use hand sanitiser at the many stations around the zoo.
• Heavily trafficked areas such as toilets, door handles and windows will be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis.
• There will be a one-way system set in place around the zoo for visitors to follow in order to limit interactions and maintain social distancing.

Which areas of the zoo will be open?

All areas of the zoo have now reopened.

Are there any reasons not to visit Ponderosa Zoo?

Whilst we are trying our absolute best to provide a safe environment to allow visitors to enjoy a lovely family day out, we do ask that whilst visiting the zoo you are careful and responsible about your own health and the others around you.

Please ensure you follow the guidelines set out here by following the one-way system around the zoo, maintaining a safe distance from others whilst walking around and regularly using our hand washing facilities. We also ask that anybody who is experiencing any symptoms of the virus or is a vulnerable individual, please do not visit us as you may put yourself and others at risk.

Can animals contract the virus?

Yes. Research suggests that some animals can contract the virus. However, it is still unknown what the full effects are on them. We are keeping up to date with the latest research and recommended guidelines regarding this situation, as well as making sure all our keepers are taking every precaution with the species that are potentially affected by the virus. We also have signs around the zoo informing visitors not to get too close to the enclosure fencing and to maintain their distance.