Staff at the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park have been working to prepare the facility for safe reopening to the public during this time of COVID-19. The Zoo plans to reopen with some changes starting Wednesday, June 10th.
Temporary hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Zoo entry will occur through Gate Z2, located immediately to the north of the Visitor Center (gift shop) building; exits must occur through the Visitor Center or through Gate Z1 (south of Visitor Center). No entries through the Visitor Center building will be permitted; watch for directional signs.
To facilitate social distancing, Zoo capacity is being limited. Non-members must purchase tickets in advance to reserve your visit time online at newzoo.org/visit/buy-zoo-tickets. Zoo Members do not need to pre-reserve your time of visit. Please note that during peak visit times, we may hold the line and prevent some guests from entering until others have left. All Zoo team members and volunteers are required to wear face coverings; guests are encouraged (not required) to wear face coverings, as well.
The Mayan Restaurant will be closed to indoor seating and will feature an outdoor, walk-up window for easy “to-go” orders. Outdoor seating is available. Hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the Zoo.
Zoo playgrounds, the Dahlin Express Train Ride, the Mining Sluice, the Endangered Species Carousel, the Giraffe Feeding Experience, and the Giraffe Discovery Center building will remain closed. The Adventure Park will also remain closed until further notice. For more details about our reopening plan and for up-to-date changes, please visit our website at newzoo.org/covid19.
A variety of special events and programs originally scheduled throughout the summer and early fall have been cancelled. Guests affected by these cancellations will be contacted with information regarding refunds and/or rescheduling. The Zoo will still offer free admission to dads on Father’s Day, June 21st, and a virtual “World Giraffe Day Party” will be celebrated on Friday, June 19th.
