'It's fantastic to be back' - Families react to Edinburgh Zoo reopening for the first time since lockdown

Families speak about their experiences being some of the first visitors back at the zoo in three months.

Families shared their experiences of being some of the first to enter Edinburgh Zoo since the country went into lockdown three months ago.

The popular attraction reopened today at 10am after the Scottish Government gave zoos the go ahead to welcome back visitors from June 29.

Members of Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Matthew and Ailidh Hunter were the first family to step through the doors with their two-year-old son, Murray.

Matthew, Murray and Ailidh Hunter, the first family to step through Edinburgh Zoo's doors in months

“It’s just great seeing the place open because we love coming here,” Matthew, from Edinburgh, said.

“We live just nearby and brought Murray all the time, it’s a great place for him to run around and see the animals, so it’s fantastic being back.”

Ailidh said she bought tickets the minute bookings were open from Wednesday last week.

“As soon as we told Murray we were going to the zoo he just got so excited,” she added.

“It’s not hugely different. It’s what we expected because it’s very similar, there are just a few little extra things in place to keep visitors at a social distance.”

Edinburgh resident John King attended the reopening of the zoo with his four-year-old son Alex.

“It’s great seeing them reopen and back in business,” said John.

“We saw lots from monkeys to meerkats, it was great walking around it again because we enjoyed it a lot before.

“The young ones just love it and even though the weather has been bad today it’s been great getting out and experiencing things a bit more normally once again.”

Katie and Doug Robertson attended the zoo with their two children, Olivia, 9, and seven-year-old Findlay.

“We were very keen to make it on the first day because we come here a lot,” Katie said.

“We are members and have still been supporting the zoo throughout lockdown because it means a lot to us to still be able to come here and enjoy it with the children.

“The children have been watching the webcam videos, so it’s great for them to be able to come and see the animals again.

“It’s great to get back to a sense of normality as well.”

Trish Souness attended with her children Callum, one, and three-year-old Ellie.

She said: “It’s great having one of the youngsters’ favourite activities back, especially when things have been so limited in lockdown.”

Edinburgh Zoo volunteer Lynda Monroe said it was “wonderful” to be back in the grounds where she often helped with visitor experience.

“I obviously spent a bit of time here before lockdown happened so it’s certainly great to be back.”

The zoo reopened from 10am today for the first 250 people who booked tickets online.

Chief executive David Field said he hopes to increase the number of visitors to 1,200 each day by the end of the week.

All reopening tickets have sold out for the next two weeks, but those wishing to visit can book on Edinburgh Zoo’s website.

Social distancing measures are in place to ensure families are able to visit in a safe way, including ‘one way’ systems and signs to remind people to keep at a distance.