Lockdown in Forres: Highland Wildlife Park an 'endangered species'
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The Highland Wildlife Park has issued a plea to Holyrood to be allowed to open early.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which runs the popular park near Aviemore in addition to Edinburgh Zoo, has already taken out a £5 million loan to survive lockdown.
Describing itself as "an endangered species", the society has now written to the Scottish Government asking it to bring forward the date both attractions can reopen from July 15.
RZSS chief executive David Field said: "We understand it is vital for lockdown measures to be eased gradually.
"However, we had hoped to open by the end of June, with similar safety measures to protect staff and visitors as the zoos and safari parks which will reopen in England over the next few days.
"We also expected to open before places like hotels, pubs and restaurants because our parks are ideal spaces for people and families to enjoy nature in safe outdoor environments.
"Delaying the reopening of Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park for at least five weeks means we will miss the start of the summer and lose £500,000.
"We have had to borrow £5 million overall due to the loss of our visitor income and every day we remain closed increases the risk that we will not be able to continue our wildlife conservation work.
"This includes saving the wildcat in Scotland, breeding polar bears at Highland Wildlife Park, bringing giraffes to Edinburgh Zoo and protecting chimpanzees from poaching in Uganda."
The wildlife conservation charity says it has written to the Scottish Government to suggest practical ways to reopen both attractions by the start of July.
Mr Field continued: "We have always been prepared to reopen initially to visitors and members from our local communities because we recognise that people travelling is a concern,
"All around Europe, we are seeing zoos reopen safely, with many visitors travelling by car rather than using public transport and people behaving with respect and responsibility when they arrive.
"Zoos and safari parks are perfect places for people to visit as society gradually starts to reopen and we will continue to discuss these community benefits with the Scottish Government.
"Reopening by the start of July will also help our charity recover because right now we are an endangered species in zoological terms.
"Everyone who loves Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park can play a part and make sure we have a bright future by giving a donation.
"The generous support we have received so far has been hugely appreciated."
To donate to the Highland Wildlife Park appeal click here
Read news from Forres here
