Canada’s zoos and aquariums are looking for a clearer picture of when they can re-open, and what measures need to be put in place to do so.
The executive director of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, of which the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo is a member, says they are ready, but each provincial government has different plans.
Jim Facette says since the pandemic reached Canada and restrictions were put in place, zoo workers have still being going to work to tend to the animals, while practicing social distancing measures and other protocols, so they are used to working in that environment.
With the open spaces of zoos and aquariums, Facette doesn’t believe social distancing will be a big problem and in smaller spaces like restaurants in the zoo facilities, they would remain closed.
He adds that masks could be provided to guests.
Each province has different schedules in their re-opening plans.
In Saskatchewan, the zoo would open in phase 4 which has no set date yet.
Facette says, “it’s important for our members to have a clear understanding of how they fit into any plan going forward.”