AN OXFORDSHIRE zoo says it is ready to reopen despite the Government telling Chester Zoo to prepare to stay shut indefinitely.

The situation at the UK’s most visited zoo shed light on zoos, aquariums and safari parks, after its chief operating officer Jamie Christon said being unable to reopen would ‘financially cripple’ the Cheshire attraction.

Meanwhile, closer to home, Crocodiles of the World in Brize Norton has been asking for donations whilst it has been closed.

The popular attraction says it has a strategy to safely reopen, which includes: online ticketing and time slots; additional sanitation stations; a one-way system; and specialist advice and training for staff.

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In a post on Facebook, the zoo said: “We have been working hard to create a reopening strategy for the zoo that follows all the guidance we’ve received, including reduced entry numbers and social distancing.

“Despite this, it has now been confirmed that zoos, aquariums and safari parks cannot reopen until July 4 at the very earliest.

“The zoo has been unable to access grant funding and so remains reliant on donations.”

To donate, visit: crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk/contact/make-a-donation/