A ZOO desperate to open its doors should be able to open its outdoor areas on April 26.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay has been calling on the Welsh Government for a 'firm' opening date so it can prepare the site for visitors.

The attraction has been closed in line with lockdown regulations since December 14.

Now there is light at the end of the tunnel as the Welsh Government sets out measures with the aim of taking Wales fully into Alert Level 3 by May 13.

As part of the measures and relaxation of rules, outdoor attractions and hospitality should be able to reopen on Monday, April 26, subject to public health conditions.

Nick Jackson, chief executive officer at Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: "There is no doubt that this lockdown period has been just as challenging as the previous lockdown periods. Our operating costs have remained incredibly high as we must provide for our animals and maintain upkeep of the grounds.

"We are incredibly grateful for the public support that has, and continues to, be given to support us here at the National Zoo of Wales. The great lengths our supporters have gone to over the past year has not gone unnoticed and we want to say thank you for the help that we have received to care for our wonderful animals. We also thank two grant-giving charities and Welsh Government for their funding support.

"We understand that a review on the opening of outdoor attractions is due to take place on April 22 with the possibility of reopening on April 26.

"Whilst we understand Welsh Government’s need for caution, we need advance notification of a firm reopening date so we can prepare the site for our visitors. We also need a clear date to work towards so we can let our visitors know."

Bunny at Welsh Mountain Zoo. Picture: Matt Rimmer

Bunny at Welsh Mountain Zoo. Picture: Matt Rimmer

Darren Millar, AM for Clwyd West who established a cross party group on zoos and animal attractions in the Senedd, is calling on Welsh Government ministers to reconsider their stance and allow the outdoor attractions to reopen prior to April 26.

He said: "With CADW sites and historic gardens now permitted to reopen, I cannot understand why zoos are being kept closed.

"The Welsh Mountain Zoo has 37 acres of open air space and can easily accommodate social distancing by capping visitor numbers. It is therefore absolutely ludicrous that it is not allowed to reopen, particularly when other outdoor sites like castles, nature reserves and historic gardens have been able to reopen.

“Zoos and animal attractions across Wales have had a tough 12 months. They missed out on the vital Easter trade last year and were closed for longer than in other parts of the UK. They were totally dismayed to see other outdoor attractions allowed to reopen at the weekend when they have still been told to keep the doors shut or given a clear date for reopening.

"This lack of clarity and consistency adds insult to injury following the Welsh Government’s decision not to establish a zoos Recovery Fund.

“Like all businesses, zoos and animal attractions need to be provided with dates so they can plan for reopening; it is totally unfair to leave them in limbo."

Garden centres, libraries, self-contained accommodation and some outdoor visitor attractions will allowed to open on March 27.

On April 1, Mr Drakeford set out the priority placed on ensuring all children and students in Wales return to face-to-face education on Monday, April 12.

All remaining non-essential retail and close contact services will be allowed to reopen from Monday, April 12, while the rules will also be changed to allow travel into and out of Wales from the rest of the United Kingdom and Common Travel Area.

By early May, plans include allowing organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people to take place, and for gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities to reopen for individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes.

The changes continue the Welsh Government’s planned, step-by-step approach to relaxing the coronavirus restrictions, taking account of the highly-infectious Kent variant, which is now the dominant form of the virus in Wales.