Seals at zoo in Thailand prepare for re-opening after coronavirus closure

Footage shows seals returning to training as part of preparations for the re-opening of zoos and aquariums in Thailand after over two months of temporary closure due to the pandemic.

Footage shows the seals practising their shows included walking, catching hoop, carrying items on their noses, collecting tips and other tricks in the pool.

The head trainer Pakorn Juhong at the zoo in Trang province said the staff have been checking on the seals every day and keeping them active in order to prevent boredom and stress.

He said: "We have three seals here at the aquarium and they will take turns to come out of the enclosure to train.

"The purpose of the training is to keep them sharp and prevent them from the stress of being kept in the enclosure during the Covid-19 restrictions." Pakorn added that he does not expect the same number tourists visiting the zoo as there was before the coronavirus closes.

He said: "The seals were adored by the tourists and I believe the animals also enjoyed meeting their audiences.

"I think it might be good for both the seals and the tourists to meet again after this difficult period.'' Thailand has been slowly easing coronavirus lockdown measures, with no local transmissions for more than two weeks.

The total number of cases in the country, including repatriated nationals, is 3,121 with 58 deaths.

Zoos are among the business allowed to re-open but under strict guidelines.