The situation of the Sainte-Croix animal park during containment
Funny fortieth anniversary for the Sainte-Croix animal park, located in the heart of the Moselle natural park. The park founded in 1980, which opens every year between April and November, was closed when containment was put in place in March. On the other hand, its 46 unusual accommodations (lodge surrounded by wolves or bears, bivouac among deer ...) had to close their doors for an indefinite period. “ To date, we are at a standstill until May 11 at least. But the reopening will most likely be in July " , says Peter Singer ,the park manager. Obviously, there was no question of abandoning the 1,500 animals of a hundred different species to their sad fate during confinement. The trainers therefore organized themselves in teams, on the basis of a four-day rotation, to respect social distancing. “It's a bit of a dream for some of our carers who find themselves alone at the head of this large animal park! "Laughs Pierre Singer.
Pierre Singer, director of the Sainte-Croix animal park. Press photo
This former journalist, who took over the company created in 1980 by his farmer father, considers that he is not the most to be pitied in these complicated times for the tourist industry. “ As one of the ten most visited animal parks in France, we are a little less fragile than others. " . However, it requires more clarity on the deconfinement methods as well as a faster reopening of " natural sites, where visitors have space ". "If the closure is very long or if it does not resume, we will be extremely weakened " . The Sainte-Croix animal park benefits from the assets ordinance of March 25, which allows them to offer a stay extension, valid for 18 months, rather than a refund. "We have extended the period of validity of these assets to 24 months, to allow customers to see them coming," said the business manager.
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Summer vacation prospects
At the beginning of February, two adorable black bears, Carolina and Dakota, were born in the park of Sainte-Croix. Press photo
For the time being, with the approach of the summer season, the park has recorded "a reservation rate of 30%, against 100% as usual". Despite this, Pierre Singer feels that "it is starting to tremble, the date of deconfinement approaching". And to greet a wave of solidarity among its customers, many of whom offer to advance the payment deadline for their ticket or to sponsor the animals in the park.
As to whether this will be enough to save the summer season, the director of the animal park is careful not to sell the bear's skin. " How will the disease progress? Will deconfinement go well? Answering them is a crystal ball. ” One thing is certain: the Grand Est, a region very affected by coronavirus, according to him has many assets to overcome the crisis. “As our customers are 80% French, we are less dependent on international markets. Among the 360,000 visitors to Sainte-Croix last year, mainly French from all the departments, but also many cross-border commuters from Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.
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To encourage visitors to return, the park obviously plans to reinforce health security measures with strict compliance with barrier gestures. "It may be necessary to close the play areas, as the German zoos do, and the performance hall, but also to transform the entertainment with the trainers." The catering offer will be adapted, with delivery meals for lodge customers and a take-out offer for day visitors. Finally, buying tickets online will be preferred. Should we also limit the number of visitors? “It is an option considered. But Sainte-Croix is so vast, with its 15 kilometers of nature trails, that it is easy to distance yourself from it. Much less dangerous than taking the metro! ” Says the director.
The lodge at Hameau des loups. Press photo
The state of mind of the French during these holidays
There remains an uncertainty: will the French want to take off, as soon as the deconfinement announced? “And how!” Answers Pierre Singer from tick to knock. The desire for tourism is a major need in humans. As after each dramatic event, I am thinking in particular of the attacks of 2015, tourism will start again. The businessman notes, however, at the same time "an initial feeling of guilt at the idea of flying and the development of thinking about sustainable tourism". A trend that the coronavirus crisis should further accentuate, pushing the French to rediscover their immediate environment. And wilderness parks, like hers. “At Sainte-Croix, we have been following a virtuous and quality tourism approach for twenty years. I think we fit perfectly into this feelgood tourism perspective, without the guilt. ”
Read also: Didier Arino: "Tourism this summer will be Franco-French"
