WEST Midland Safari Park has announced the date it will reopen to visitors - and also welcome its first overnight guests at its brand new luxury lodges.
The local attraction took to social media earlier today to announce it will reopen its doors to the public on Monday, April 12 after being given the go-ahead by the Prime Minister's announcement on Monday afternoon.
In a TV address, Boris Johnson revealed the government's roadmap out of lockdown which, if all goes to plan with the first stage of the exit plan, will see zoos and theme parks allowed to reopen from April 12, along with non-essential shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, drive-in cinemas and beer gardens.
West Midland Safari Park said it was "delighted" to be given the green light to reopen, after being forced to close for the third time in 12 months at the start of January.
A spokesperson said: “As a major family attraction here in the West Midlands, we are delighted that safari parks and zoos have the go-ahead to reopen, and for us that will be Monday, April 12.
“The news has brought much optimism to us all here at the park and we are looking forward to welcoming back guests with all the necessary safety measures in place.
“We are hoping this is the start to a much brighter 2021 and are excited to start the spring season with giving our guests an enjoyable and well needed day out with their family.”
“Tickets are now on sale by visiting wmsp.co.uk.”
Monday's announcement also means that the park's brand new Safari Lodges will also be able to open from April 12.
The long-awaited luxury lodges, which were scheduled to welcome their first guests this month, are the first of their kind in the UK. Their open date had already been delayed by seven months as a result of the first lockdown last year.
The eight exclusive cabins are integrated into the newly-updated animal habitats on the park’s reserves, overlooking the cheetahs and African elephants, and are designed to give guests an immersive and unforgettable overnight wildlife experience.
Earlier this month, the safari park took to social media to introduce its newest residents, cheetah brothers Azrael and Bappe, who arrived from Montpellier Zoo in France last year.
The pair will soon be moving to their new cheetah exhibit, which is part of the new Safari Lodges development.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here