Smoking bans come to two Belgian zoos

From mid-July, smoking will no longer be allowed in the Antwerp Zoo, with the exception of six designated smoking zones. A smoking ban will also come into effect in Planckendael Zoo, near Mechelen, from August. Planckendael (pictured) will have eight designated smoking areas, to accommodate its large size, write Gazet van Antwerpen and Het Nieuwsblad.

"Actually, we wanted to launch the ban already this weekend, but delivery of the ashtray poles was delayed, and therefore the ban, too," says Fleur Franssen of the Antwerp Zoo.

Both zoos assure that the designated smoking areas are pleasant places. “It's important that everyone feels welcome," Franssen told the newspapers. "The smoking areas are nice, pleasant places. And the restaurants and cafés will make a part of their outdoor terrace available for smokers, where the ashtray poles are to be installed. The smoking areas are also indicated by icons on the map.”

The parks have no plans to hand out penalties to those who might violate the ban. "We assume that people will adhere to it,” they say.