The Longest Summer Holiday Ever? 3:Coming out of lock down: Colchester Zoo

It has been quite a while since we visited Colchester Zoo.  Yesterday's visit was via an invitation, and I suspect we were there as a 'trial run' for the real opening, which would have happened today.  Much has changed, admission is by booking only, there is a queueing system, carefully marked out in 2 meter spaces, and there is a one way system around the zoo.  Some of the toilets, many of the food outlets and the children's play area are closed.  The train is not open yet.

The new system worked quite smoothly.  Most people are still careful about 'social distancing'.  The paths are marked with arrows, paw prints and spots to mark queueing positions, in some places they could have been clearer, but mostly they were very obvious, and easier to spot when looking for them.  There is even a queueing system for getting out.  There are extra staff about too.  Some visitors, but by no means all, are wearing face masks.  All the staff are.

The smaller numbers meant that the zoo has a less congested feel, indeed there were places where it felt very strange as we could not see another person on the path ahead or behind us.  Occasionally there was a bit of a wait to see the animals, the viewing areas are also marked out to help people keep their distance, when the visitors in front go, move into the space.

We took lots of photos, and I made a short video of some of the animals: