Why Willows MUST Remain Closed
- Please remember that the restrictions placed upon us, as given below, are for everyone’s safety. This virus has knocked the entire world for six and it is more important than ever that we get more people signed up to our Lifeline scheme as we are depending on you,
our supporters, to keep Willows going through these unprecedented times.
- Visitors wouldn’t be allowed to touch the animals. As this is why most people visit, it would be a massive disappointment for everyone not to be able to stroke the cats when they come running to greet them or not to be able pet any of the cows,
horses goats or sheep etc. that have come over to say hello. It would be very upsetting for everyone and goodness knows what the animals would make of it!
- We couldn’t allow visitors into the barns or the Cat’s Hotel, as the buildings are too enclosed and wouldn’t be safe for people to spend time in at their leisure.
We don’t have contactless hand washing facilities (nor can we afford them) so we would have to clean each bathroom after every visitor has used it and before the next one can use it. We simply don’t have the people power for this!
Most other places that are reopening shortly are keeping their toilet facilities shut and are only opening them in urgent situations and then doing a full disinfection before relocking them.
- Even before Covid 19, It was part of our compulsory Health & Hygiene rules that everyone washes their hands thoroughly after petting the animals and before eating. Animals can carry all sorts of bacteria and it is essential that
hot water and soap is always used. Hand sanitizer is not a suitable substitute.
- We could only allow in one or two visitors at any one time. On a busy day, Willows has around 100-300 people on the visiting at any one time, and we just don’t have enough people to organise many visitors, managing queuing and social distancing.
High visitor numbers like this is what helps pay the bills and having to restrict numbers, not letting people stay as long as they want to and making sure no one pets a cat is not going to make for a relaxing experience of Willows. It is also not financially
viable as we would only be taking a fraction of the money that we need.
- Although we completely understand and agree with the restrictions placed upon us, it is a massive blow to our income. It is not the animals' fault, yet it is their home that is under threat. Please help us to get 1,000 new Lifeline supporters
and help us get through this dreadful time.