Entebbe Zoo re-opens to visitors

Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) also known as Entebbe Zoo re-opened for business on Friday after rolling out Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will protect visitors and workers from Covid-19.

The tourism facility was shut about four months ago when the lockdown was instituted and officials say it had never closed for this long in its history.

The resumption function was officiated by the minister of tourism Col. Tom Butime. The Centre used the lockdown period to improve its services, for instance, a camera surveillance system has been set up to monitor animals and visitors and this will be bolstered by a radio calling system.

The giraffe holding facility has also been upgraded so the giraffes can be secured. The elephant's habitat has also been re-equipped to prevent it from escaping. Even the holding facility for buffaloes has been re-organised. The zoo will also host an exhibit for tigers.

UWEC has also launched the Zakayo monument to serve as an education tool.

The SOPs

The entries, places of convenience, restaurants, viewing points, recreational facilities (e.g. play areas) have also been re-developed to meet the Covid-19 SOPs.

Protective materials (face masks, face shields, gloves, biohazard bags, coveralls) have been procured for workers and to be sold to visitors.  

Information, education and communication material will also be available at the facility.

60%-alcoholic content sanitizers have been acquired and will be placed in all places people visit. At the ticketing area, there will be disinfecting wipes and frequently touched areas will be disinfected every after two hours.

Visitors will be required to undergo footbaths, vehicles will be disinfected with bleach, waste will be dumped in a designated area.

Reusable PPEs will be disinfected daily.

Temperature guns have been placed at all entry points. The facility is working with Entebbe Grade B Hospital for treatment.

To ensure social distancing, demarcations have been made with ropes and paint.

The center is encouraging cashless methods of payment.

The facility says it will be operating at 15%, with only 100 people allowed inside at a go. This will be increased as time goes on. To access the center, it will be through pre-booking.