Whipsnade Wild Animal Park has reopened - 19 April 2001

Whipsnade Wild Animal Park has reopened today, Thursday 19th April. The Park has been closed as a precautionary measure since Saturday, 24 February, the beginning of the UK Foot and Mouth outbreak.

The closure of Whipsnade was due to the rural location of the Park and the nature of the site. This decision was taken after much deliberation and was made to ensure the safety of the thousands of susceptible species at Whipsnade that might be put at risk. Staff have consulted MAFF and closely monitored the national foot and mouth situation since the closure.

"We have decided to re-open Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, as there has been no new outbreak in the vicinity for an extended period." Commented Stuart Earley, Director of Whipsnade Wild Animal Park. "After careful consideration of the current risks, and in view of the additional precautionary measures in place to protect our animals, we feel that it is safe for the Park to re-open."

The Park will be open to pedestrians; visitors arriving by car will be asked to park in the outside car park. They will then enter the Park on foot and can be taken around the Park on the safari buses.

As a precaution, everyone (including visitors) who enters Whipsnade, will walk across disinfected matting. Visitors will be asked to identify themselves if they have been on a farm with animals or in contact with farm or other zoo animals in the last week. Regrettably, if this is the case, Whipsnade Wild Animal Park will be asking them to postpone their visit until the Foot and Mouth outbreak is over.

Whipsnade is looking forward to reopening its doors to all its visitors with an exciting series of events going on throughout the day. Enjoy the free-flying bird displays, as some of the world’s rarest birds take to the air, or marvel at Berkeley and co., in the sealion demonstration. All set within the beautiful blossom-filled park.

- ends -

<b>Notes to Editors</b>

Please note that the Children’s farm is closed as an extra precaution. Picnics or any foodstuffs cannot be brought into the Park. Visitors will be able to return to their vehicles to eat their own food. Their hand will be stamped to allow them access back into the Park when they have finished.

VISITOR INFORMATION
Whipsnade Admission Charges 2001:
Adult £10.70
Child (3-15) £8.00
Child (under 3) free
Senior Citizen/student £8.00
Disabled prices:
Adult £9.10
Child (3-15) £7.00
Season Tickets:
Adult £35.00
Child £23.00
Senior Citizen £23.00
Family (2 adults + 1 child) £85.00
Cars:
£2.00 for parking (summer only) optional car entry £8.50 (although cars cannot be taken into the Park at this time)
Opening Times:
Winter (October–25th March) 10.00am – 4.00pm (3.00pm last entry)
Summer (26th March–September) 10.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday, 10.00am to 7.00pm Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday. Last admission one hour before closing.
Location:
By car – 20 minutes from the M25 (J21). Sign posted from M1 (J9 & J12) and all major roads.
By bus – For bus services from Luton and Dunstable call 0345 788788. Green Line Buses from London Victoria (summer only), call 020-8668 7261.
By train – Nearest stations are Luton and Hemel Hempstead, call 0345 484950.
Public enquiries: 0990 200 123 or visit www.zsl.org or www.whipsnade.co.uk

<i>For further information please contact the Whipsnade Wild Animal Park Public Relations office:
Julianne Mallatratt/Claire Bidder
Tel: (01582) 871316
Fax: (01582) 872649
Email: marketinwwap@gn.apc.org

Zoological Society of London of Public Relations office:
Debbie Curtis/Joe Laing
Tel: (020) 7449 6363/6361/6236
Fax: (020) 7449 6362
Email: publicrelations@zsl.org