The government has listened to concerns I and other MPs have raised on behalf of zoos and from the 26th of December it is now possible for people in Tier 4 areas to visit outdoor areas of zoos and other animal attractions.
The regulations state
6.16 Regulation 2(6)(d) amends Schedule 3A to the All Tiers Regulations to include a new exception for leaving home in Tier 4 as paragraph 2(2)(da), which is to visit: outdoor attractions at an aquarium, zoo or safari park; or outdoor animal attractions at a farm, wildlife centre or any other place where animals are exhibited to the public as an attraction. An amendment is also made to permit these attractions to open in Tier 4 by regulation 2(6)(aa) and (bb).
I am absolutely delighted by this because being able to go to Whipsnade will be very special for many local people. These visits will provide much-needed income to our zoos and enable Whipsnade’s leading global conservation work to continue.