Reopening Colorado: Denver Zoo Welcomes Back Members On Wednesday, General Public On Friday
DENVER (CBS4)- After being closed for months, the Denver Zoo will reopen to members on Wednesday and the general public just two days later, on Friday.
With coronavirus, the zoo says safeguards have been implemented to allow guests to return to the mostly outdoor campus.
Since closing on March 17, the zoo has taken precautions to protect guests, staff and animals during the pandemic.
With the reopening, additional measures are being taken to encourage safety, including enhanced cleaning procedures, limiting crowd sizes, and encouraging social distancing. All guests 3 and up will be required to wear face masks or coverings as mandated by the City and County of Denver.
"We are beyond thrilled to welcome back our community of friends and neighbors who have stood by our side and provided such crucial, meaningful support while we were closed," said Bert Vescolani, President and CEO of Denver Zoo, in a statement. "But we remain vigilant in our obligation to protect this community, and have gone through exhaustive planning and preparation so that our guests can feel safe and comfortable while connecting with our 3,000 animals."
Additional Information from the Denver Zoo:
Following are some of the new measures the Zoo is implementing upon reopening for all members and guests, which will impact nearly every aspect of the guest experience, from purchasing tickets to navigating the Zoo. Guests are highly encouraged to visit DenverZoo.org/Visit prior to visiting for complete details about the Zoo's modified policies and procedures:
- Online Ticketing: All tickets must be purchased/reserved online at DenverZoo.org/Visit, including complimentary Member Gratitude Days Tickets, and will not be available for purchase at Denver Zoo. Online tickets are required for all guests, including members (free) and children 2 and under (free).
- Limited, Timed Admissions: To support safe physical distancing, the Zoo will limit the number of visitors per day. Timed tickets with staggered 15-minute entry windows will limit the number of guests entering the Zoo at any one time. Admission lines will also be marked for distancing.
- Sanitation and Hand-Washing: Restrooms and high-touch areas will be disinfected frequently on a set schedule. Other high-touch surfaces, like tables and chairs, will be cleaned immediately after use. Hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations have been placed throughout campus—including at restrooms, the main Zoo entry and exit, the entry and exit doors of all buildings and all dining areas.
- One-Way Campus: A one-way path around the entire campus has been created to allows guest to view a majority of its animal habitats and gardens while maintaining appropriate physical distancing. A "short cut" highlighting a smaller area for shorter visits will also be available.
- Zoo Employees: All Zoo employees are required to follow strict protocols in order to maintain the safety of everyone on campus. They will have their temperatures checked prior to starting work, and be required to wear masks and maintain distance of at least 6 feet from guests, volunteers and other employees.
- Guest Responsibilities: Guests are asked to do their part in keeping Denver Zoo a safe environment, including staying home if anyone in their family feels sick, maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet, washing their hands often, respecting the one-way traffic flow and remaining on approved pathways. All guests ages 3 and over will be required to wear face masks or coverings as mandated by the City and County of Denver.
- Attractions, Exhibits and Encounters: Regularly scheduled Animal Demonstrations and Encounters have been modified to minimize contact and provide for physical distance. Buildings, attractions, exhibits and play areas will be closed to keeps guests, staff and animals safe with the exception of our newest attraction, Stingray Cove, opening in mid-June.
- Shopping and Dining: The Zoo has modified its dining service to comply with all government-mandated COVID-19 safety procedures with regard to preparation and service of all food and beverage items. Its gift shop, Kibongi Market, will remain open with safety modifications, including one-way traffic flow, distanced displays and available hand sanitizer. Guests can also purchase anytime from the Zoo's new online gift shop.
Denver Zoo will continue to update its policies and procedures as changes are made at DenverZoo.org/Visit. Tickets and other information about the Zoo are available at DenverZoo.org.
The Denver Zoo continues to push for donations to support the more than 3,000 animals who call it home. For more information, visit denverzoo.org/support/donate/.
