TROPIQUARIA Zoo’s boss has assured visitors that it does not prohibit single visitors of either sex from entering the zoo.

Chris Moiser, managing director of the zoo at Washford Cross, has spoken out after a single man was refused entry to a falconry display at the North Somerset theme park of Puxton Park.

The man was declined entry because he was a lone adult male. The policy was introduced as a child protection measure.

Alistair Mead, managing director of Puxton Park, has said other parks in the area have similar policies in place but Mr Moiser said the rule is not shared by Tropiquaria.

He described it as “a mistake and highly offensive”. He said: “We welcome all visitors, whether they come singly or in organised coach trips, and plan on continuing to do so.

“Many of our single visitors are zoo fans doing a tour of the South-West, or grandparents or season ticket holders who pop in for a coffee while passing and to see their favourite animals.

“The fact that they like our coffee or our animals shouldn’t make them embarrassed because they’re on their own.”