After being closed for nearly two months because of the coronavirus outbreak, the Sedgwick County Zoo is making plans to reopen to the public.
The Zoo plans to open Monday, May 18th for members and Thursday, May 21st to the general public. An important difference is that there will be scheduled admission, and people will have to purchase tickets online before going to the Zoo. That will allow for the Zoo to limit its daily capacity and to make sure that visitors are evenly spaced throughout the complex during the day. Members will have to reserve tickets online using their member ID.
Tickets will be sold in half-hour blocks from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Zoo members and senior citizens will have the chance to buy early-bird tickets at 8 a.m. and at 8:30 a.m.
Visitors will be encouraged to wear masks and there will be a chance to purchase masks upon entry to the Zoo. Hand sanitizing stations will be added, restrooms will be cleaned every two hours, and zoo staff will also be required to wear masks and other personal protective equipment as needed.
Visitors will also be encouraged to follow social distancing.
The Keeper Chats, Animal Extras and Wild Encounters will not take place, and playgrounds, water fountains and Farms contact yards will be closed. The Beastro and other restaurants will operate from outdoor service windows only. Boat rides, giraffe feedings and trams will be closed. These restrictions will be lifted in the later phases of the Zoo’s reopening plan.
The KOCH Orangutan and Chimpanzee Habitat and the Downing Gorilla Forest will be closed.
