And I Would Walk One Million Steps... And I Would Walk One Million More
The Cheshire Magazine talks to Jamie Christon, Chester Zoo COO about the plans to re-open the zoo and their current fundraiser to walk one million steps around the zoo in a month
When is Chester Zoo looking to reopen?
We have no idea at present. Unlike other sectors we haven’t been given an opening date. We are lobbying government along with other zoos on a daily basis and are frustrated as to why we cant open as a secure and safe outdoor space.
What precautions are you taking to ensure the safety of your guests?
Lots of physical changes at the zoo including restricted capacity, a dedicated welcome team, over 30 new hand sanitisation stations around the site, 2 metre distancing decals and reduced touchpoints.
What time will the zoo be open and will I be restricted on how long guests stay?
The zoo will open at the same time as usual but we will also look at when we can to open later in the evening for our visitors
Who has been looking after the animals during the lockdown period?
Even though the gates are closed we still need to employ keeping staff, conservationists, vets and other support functions to maintain the welfare of our 35,000 animals and plant collection. This is 24/7 and is costing us £475k per month alone. 97% of our income comes from visitors and without that, we are struggling to operate.
What have been the effects of closing Chester Zoo during this time?
We are losing around £1m income per month, this increases to £4m a month in August. We rely on the summer each year to help us through the winter and this year we haven’t seen any income since March but retain these very high overheads despite furloughing over 50% of the workforce and making dramatic cuts. These cuts will now need to get deeper and will set the zoo back in years.
What are you doing to help recoup the lost income?
We are trying to fundraise as much as possible. We have set up a Just Giving page and even some of our Directors, including myself have challenged themselves to walk over one million steps around the zoo within a month.
If you'd like to read more about our challenge or donate to the cause please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamieanddom4cz
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