INDOOR animal houses and viewing areas are once again closed at the Welsh Mountain Zoo but the attraction is "committed" to keeping its gates open.

The Colwyn Bay site is offering half price entry throughout December as pressure mounts on the tourism attraction in the face of new lockdown measures.

All outdoor enclosures and walkways remain open.

Closed areas include the chimp auditorium, reptile and alligator houses and the children's farm barn.

Sadly the zoo is unable to showcase their "grotty grotto" or host events that encourage interaction.

Marcia Azevedo Moreira, marketing manager at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: “It’s imperative that people are aware that the zoo will remain open following new measures, and stay with their plans to visit if they have pre-booked or were planning a visit. Regretfully, we can’t open any of our indoor attractions but all external areas of the zoo remain very much open and all animals can still be seen from the viewing windows into their enclosures.

“The Safari restaurant will be open for take away only, serving a Winter inspired selection of food to all visitors. Along with this, the Zoovenir Gift Shop will remain open offering the opportunity to purchase some unique gifts for Christmas.”

The zoo is able to run its annual Christmas trail.

Marcia added: “Unfortunately this year we won’t be able to showcase our grotty grotto or host events that encourage interaction but we will welcome friends old and new, who can enjoy a wrapped up walk around our wonderful zoo to reacquaint themselves with our much loved animals this Christmas."

Half price entry will begin in December 5 and run through to January 3.

To avoid disappointment, please note that visitors are advised booking in advance as our Christmas offer is proving very popular," Marcia said.

The Pioneer reported this week that two zoo keepers have written a children's book to raise funds for the much loved attraction.

Amy Ridgway and Tom Wootton have published 'A Dream Day at the Zoo'.

Born out of a desire to support the zoo in the face of escalating financial pressures during the pandemic, 90 per cent of the profits from the sale of this book will go directly to the zoo. The other 10 per cent is going to The Vulture Conservation Foundation.