The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops says it plans to reopen in just over a week.

The non-profit animal recovery centre closed to the public on March 23 because of restrictions in place due to COVID-19, and today staff say the plan is to open on June 1. The park will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will have mid-season rates.

Staff say to maintain social distancing, no more than 1,000 people will be allowed in the park at any given time. There will be no rentals of wheelchairs, strollers and wagons. Galleries inside will be open, but several programs will be discontinued for the summer, including the Wildlife Rangers Pin Program, the feed talks with Zookeepers, animal encounters and flight demonstrations of birds of prey.

The miniature train will also be closed, and birthday parties and similar events will not be allowed.

The Blue Heron Cafe will be open, but for take-out only.

Like any other facilities, staff at the wildlife park are telling people not to come if they are sick.

“Throughout our temporary closure the words of encouragement that we’ve received alongside the outpouring of support has been incredible, and we are so excited to welcome you back,” the park says online.

Before COVID-19, the wildlife park was expecting another strong year following back-to-back record years of attendance, and had new exhibits planned as well.

General manager Glenn Grant says donations made throughout the spring have significantly eased financial pressures the park has faced while being closed.