A Norfolk family attraction is hailing a successful weekend as it fully reopened for the first time after lockdown measures eased.

Banham Zoo had dedicated its first five days to members only from April 12, but the doors were open to everyone from Saturday with pre-booking essential due to limited capacity as a Covid precaution.

Eastern Daily Press: A family enjoying the sun as Banham Zoo reopened to non-members on Saturday, April 17A family enjoying the sun as Banham Zoo reopened to non-members on Saturday, April 17 (Image: Archant)

Reflecting on the two days since fully reopening, a spokesman for Banham Zoo said: "It has been a really busy weekend. The guests and visitors are delighted to return to the park."

Eastern Daily Press: Families were able to enjoy Banham Zoo as the attraction fully reopened this weekendFamilies were able to enjoy Banham Zoo as the attraction fully reopened this weekend (Image: Archant 2021)

Claudia Roberts, managing director, added: "It's just really lovely seeing everyone back and the zoo full again.

"Everyone has been really safe and it's been calm. I think people are just grateful to be out in their family groups again just enjoying some space."

Eastern Daily Press: Banham Zoo managing director Claudia RobertsBanham Zoo managing director Claudia Roberts (Image: Archant 2021)

The number of people allowed into the zoo has been restricted with a barcode entry system being used to speed up the process of getting inside the attraction.

Banham-Zoo-reopens-its-doors-to-the-public

One-way systems are in operation for those visiting while hand sanitiser stations are located in up to 35 locations across the zoo.

Eastern Daily Press: A family enjoying lunch at Banham ZooA family enjoying lunch at Banham Zoo (Image: Archant)

Mrs Roberts added: "If you want to book, then you must book online and don't worry about your safety, we are restricting the numbers.

"And all the feedback we have had so far is really, really positive. Every time somebody comes here, we are keeping our animals alive so we are really grateful for the support."

Eastern Daily Press: Smiles on show as families return to Banham Zoo for weekend funSmiles on show as families return to Banham Zoo for weekend fun (Image: Archant)

She continued: "Our main plans are just keeping our numbers low as it were, making it really safe for everyone, and then we can slowly look at rebuilding round the zoo and looking at some interesting activities for over the summer period."

Eastern Daily Press: Banham Zoo reopened to non-members from Saturday, April 17 after lockdownBanham Zoo reopened to non-members from Saturday, April 17 after lockdown (Image: Archant 2021)

This time last year, both Banham Zoo and Africa Alive! in Suffolk had to undergo a substantial restructure and the necessary cost saving measures to ensure their survival.

Eastern Daily Press: Banham Zoo reopened to non-members from Saturday, April 17 after the Covid lockdownBanham Zoo reopened to non-members from Saturday, April 17 after the Covid lockdown (Image: Archant)

Both zoos were left in a precarious situation after the Zoological Society of East Anglia, the conservation and education charity which leads both attractions, was hit by the national lockdown.

Eastern Daily Press: Banham Zoo in Norfolk where visitors are being restricted due to Covid precautionsBanham Zoo in Norfolk where visitors are being restricted due to Covid precautions (Image: Archant 2021)

But with families returning in the sunshine this weekend, the situation looks much more optimistic.

Eastern Daily Press: Banham Zoo in NorfolkBanham Zoo in Norfolk (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Happy faces as Banham Zoo reopened after lockdownHappy faces as Banham Zoo reopened after lockdown (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: A father and son at Banham Zoo on Sunday, April 18A father and son at Banham Zoo on Sunday, April 18 (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: A number of safety measures are in place as Banham Zoo reopens to the publicA number of safety measures are in place as Banham Zoo reopens to the public (Image: Archant)