Two of the West Midlands' most popular wildlife attractions have been forced to extend their closures into the weekend as they continue to grapple with the dangerous aftermath of Storm Goretti.
Safety First as Weather Warnings Persist
Dudley Zoo and the Wild Zoological Park, located near Wolverhampton, will both remain shut to the public on Saturday, January 10. This follows an initial closure on Friday, January 9, after heavy snow swept across the region. The decision comes with a yellow weather warning for ice in force from midday Friday until midday Saturday, creating treacherous conditions underfoot.
Management at both sites emphasised that the wellbeing of visitors, staff, and their animal residents is the absolute priority. Teams have been working tirelessly to clear pathways and facilities, but the ongoing risk has led to the cautious decision to stay closed for a second day.
Official Statements from the Zoos
Dudley Zoo issued a formal statement explaining their position. "We’re really sorry, but we’re unable to safely open to visitors tomorrow and will therefore remain CLOSED to the public," it read. The statement highlighted that while keepers remain on-site providing essential care for the animals, the public site requires further clearing to be safe.
The zoo also directed supporters to its JustGiving page for those wishing to offer financial support during the unexpected closure. They promised to contact all visitors with pre-booked tickets for Saturday and provide an update about Sunday opening in due course.
Meanwhile, Wild Zoological Park communicated its closure via a Facebook post. "With the cold conditions, slippery pathways and roads, our team will be focusing on making sure all our animals are warm, safe, and comfortable," the post stated.
Information for Ticket Holders
Both attractions have outlined clear procedures for disappointed visitors:
- Dudley Zoo is contacting all pre-booked guests directly and will provide further updates.
- Wild Zoological Park is offering ticket holders a choice: either transfer their booking to an alternative discounted date or receive a full refund. The zoo specified that £5 alternative dates are available every weekend until the February half-term break.
The extended closures underscore the significant disruption caused by Storm Goretti across the West Midlands, affecting not just transport but also major leisure and tourism destinations. Residents are advised to continue checking official zoo websites and social media channels for the latest information regarding reopening plans for Sunday, January 11.
