Wolds Wildlife Park grateful for support

Plans for the park suffered a crushing blow when Covid-19 led to it having to shut down at the start of the tourist season.

Joint owners Tracy Walters and Andrew Riddel were forced to launch an appeal for donations of food and money to help offset the lack of visitors – and a staggering food bill for their growing and hungry collection of more than 100 animals, including lions, bears, zebras and a leopard.

Following public pressure, the Government allowed zoos and wildlife parks to reopen in June and since then, the visitors have helped the attraction get back on its feet.

Ms Walters said: “We can’t thank people enough for the massive support we’ve had over the last few months.

“It’s been amazing. We honestly don’t know where everyone has come from.”

In a bid to meet the strict coronavirus regulations – including social distancing - the park introduced a booking system for visitors and that proved to be a success.

Ms Walters added: “During the school holidays we were very busy, but everything was done in accordance with the (Covid-19) regulations.

“It meant a lot of extra work but it has been worth it. We’ve had a fantastic response and apart from first-time visitors, we had a lot of repeat business.”

A yearly pass scheme also proved popular, as did visits for special occasions whichallow people to get ‘close up’ to the animals.

The park is still open on weekends and has special events planned for Halloween and Christmas – subject to Covid restrictions and the weather.

Last week, staff welcomed pupils from Pilgrim Schools in Lincoln and Sleaford and Ms Walters explained that this is something they are looking to explore further.

She said: “We’re keen to develop the educational side of the park and work with more schools and universities.

“It is difficult to plan anything too far ahead because of Covid-19, but hopefully things will improve.”

Ms Walters also revealed the park had exciting plans to add more animals to the list of attractions next year.

She added: “We’ve got lots of things in the pipeline but I don’t want to give anything away just yet. Again, much depends on what restrictions are in place.”

In the meantime, building work is continuing and the park is keen to offer some form of under-cover accommodation for visitors.

Ms Walters said: “We’ve had to close on really wet days because there’s nowhere for people to shelter.

“At least the animals will be okay. If it’s closed and wet, they’ve got heated accommodation. They live better than us!”

• For full details of opening times and events, search for Wolds Wildlife Park on Facebook.