FAQ's in Relation to COVID-19 - Fota Wildlife Park

FAQ’s in Relation to COVID-19

FAQ’s in Relation to COVID-19

Q: Are the playgrounds open?

Yes. The playground beside the Oasis Café and at the Main Entrance has reopened.

Q: Are all the facilities in the Park fully open as normal?

The Tropical House, Madagascan Village and the Tour Train have re-opened. Please note that wildlife talks, feeding times, arts and crafts, and face painting are not currently running.

Q: Do I pay for the Car Park in advance?

The Car Parking fee is still payable (by card incl. tap function) at the exit only.

If you choose to park your car at Fota, this means that your visit to Fota House’s grounds, frame yard garden, walled gardens and arboretum are also included in the €3 car park charge and monies raised from this charge go towards the upkeep of Fota House and Gardens.

The Irish Heritage Trust, which owns Fota House and Gardens is a charitable status organisation like the Wildlife Park.

Recent upgrades to this system mean you can now pay by card, with a tap function available, as an alternative to coins at the exit.

Q: I’ve booked a visit with my Annual Pass, how can I cancel the booking?

You can create an account using the link below or when prompted at checkout when buying or booking on www.fotawildlife.ie.

Sign in – Fota Wildlife Park

Annual pass holders can cancel a booking once they have set up an account. Booking a time slot is faster when you create an account on our website.

Q: Are Fota Wildlife Park minimising the risk to staff who will be caring for the animals?

We are following the latest Government, HSE and World Health Organisation (WHO) advice and continue to review measures regularly.

Our animal care teams have always had a strict set of health and safety measures in place for both the animals in the park and our staff’s safety, but we have additional precautions in place to ensure continuity of care and husbandry.

Q: I would like to support Fota Wildlife Park financially, how do I do it?

Fota Wildlife Park is a not-for-profit organisation, and we rely on gate receipts, memberships, and sponsorships to fund the park and our various conservation projects. If you would like to support us, here’s how:

– Sponsor an Animal for €60 (currently not available on our mobile site – please purchase on desktop here)

Donate to the park here. Fota is self-financing and we are extremely grateful for all donations at this time.

**Please allow extra time for any delays in the delivery of Sponsorship Packs**

Q: Is your Education Dept. School Tours open for bookings?

Yes, our Educational Dept. Bookings are open, you can find further information on these tours here. All Courses must be booked in advance by calling (021) 4812678 or sending an email to: [email protected]. Tour Numbers are limited.

Q: Can I book for / get updated information on the Kids Camps?

Unfortunately, there will be no summer camps for 2022. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Q: Is the Irish Rail train to Fota Wildlife Park running?

Yes, please see the Irish Rail website for full details – www.irishrail.ie

Q: I want to book for a specific date not listed, can I do this?

Prebooking is available a max of 4 weeks in advance of visiting. Please check back later to find more dates.

Q: Is there a number I can ring to book a timeslot?

You must book the slot online.

Q: Do you have a policy or rate for Special Needs / Carers?

Please book the correct amount of Special Needs Adults / Children & Carers in the ‘Pre-Paid Ticket’ selection. In the ticket code box underneath write the number for each. (ie, 2 Special Needs Adult 1 Carer) and book the appropriate number of rest of the party Adults and Children online, when you arrive you can pay for any Special Needs Adults / Children but rest of party will be prepaid.

For more information on our Special Needs and Carers policy visit here.

Q: I have an annual pass but there is a price coming up for my booked timeslot.

Please select ‘Annual Pass Holder’ under ticket type and enter the total amount of Adults / Children visiting in that selection only. Please find our how to book video here.

Q: Are the toilet facilities open?

There are toilets are both ends of the park open, near the entrance/exit and halfway through the park. These are cleaned regularly throughout the day.

Q: Are there hand washing stations in the park?

Hand sanitiser dispensers are placed at key points throughout the Park. Additional signage to promote hand washing and best hygiene practises has been posted throughout the park.

Q: Are the picnic tables in use?

Yes. The picnic tables are being cleaned regularly throughout the day. We advise everyone to take personal caution and hygiene measures throughout their visit.

Q: Are daily Feeding Times, Animal Talks and Children’s Activities taking place?

No.

Q: Are the Tropical House and Madagascan Village open as normal?

Yes, at seasonal opening hours.

Q: Is the wheelchair loan available?

Yes. Please note these are still limited in availability and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q: Is the buggy loan suspended?

No. Please note these are still limited in availability and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q: Can I still apply for or complete my Work Experience at Fota Wildlife Park?

Work Experience will recommence from September 2022, please email [email protected] for any further information.

Fota Wildlife Park promotes a healthy experience during the pandemic:

We are doing all we can to promote a healthy environment, and in doing so, we also rely on you to keep recommended self-care in mind for your safety and the safety of others. Throughout your experience, please be mindful of current Government and HSE guidelines and public health recommendations.

If you or a member of your party has a temperature or is feeling unwell, please visit us another time.

  • Wash your hands often, using soap and water, for a minimum of 20 seconds.
  • Help us promote social distancing by remaining at least two meters away from others who are not part of your party and not to shake hands or hug.
  • If you must cough or sneeze, please do so into your elbow, not into your hand or into the air.

 

Annual Pass Extension Form

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