Opening of West Midland Safari Park's new lodges delayed due to Covid

The Bewdley-based park temporarily closed its gates on January 4, following the latest national lockdown during the pandemic.

Now, due to supply chain issues caused by the third lockdown, the park's new luxury accommodation have been forced into another delay.

The Safari Lodges were originally set to open last summer, but was delayed until February 13. A revised opening date has now been set at April 2.

Chris Kelly, West Midland Safari Park's managing director, said: "After much deliberation, we must advise of another hurdle for our lodges.

"We have done everything within our power to stay on track, but given another lockdown and the ramifications of disrupted global supply chains, it saddens me to say we will be unable to welcome guests when we had planned.

"We very much hope to be open for Easter and plan Friday, April 2, as our revised opening date.

"We are currently in the process of contacting guests whose bookings are affected and we thank everyone for their understanding and patience at this time.”

The eight lodges are integrated into the newly-updated animal habitats on the park’s reserves, overlooking cheetahs and African elephants, designed to give guests an immersive overnight wildlife experience.

The double-storey elephant lodges will be authentically themed with thatched roofs and can accommodate up to five people.

The two single-storey, detached cheetah lodges sleep up to six guests.

For further information on the Safari Lodges and details on how to book, visit www.safari-lodges.co.uk.