Columbus Zoo reopening for members June 12, all guests June 15
COLUMBUS (WCMH) — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has announced when it will be reopening to guests.
According to the zoo, members can come visit starting June 12, 13 and 14, and will be open to all guests starting June 15.
The Zoo will be open daily from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., and all zoo visits, including for members will require a dated, timed ticket to help ensure that social distancing and other precautions are followed appropriately.
The zoo has been closed to the public since March 16 in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and to support efforts to help reduce the spread of the virus within the community.
Governor Mike DeWine announced Thursday that Ohio zoos and museums could reopen beginning June 10.
A release from the zoo says it will use June 10 and 11 to provide more time to hire and train seasonal staff.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium released the following guidelines for guests:
Timed Ticketing. All Zoo visits will now require a dated, timed ticket, including all Members. Tickets must be pre-purchased or pre-registered online prior to date of visit. Each ticket will also have an entry timeslot. To help minimize crowds in our entrance plaza, guests cannot arrive prior to their timeslot to enter the Zoo. Timed tickets will be available for purchase beginning immediately so guests can begin planning their visit starting June 15 and beyond.
Experiencing the Outdoors! With more than 3 miles of open-air pathways available and admission at a limited capacity, this will allow our guests to be able to maintain social distancing. The majority of the outdoor habitats and viewing areas will be open and available to guests. Some modifications have been implemented, including spacing in front of viewing windows to minimize contact with glass surfaces, and removal of some seating and objects to encourage guest flow and social distancing. One-way direction has been instituted in certain Zoo regions that contain smaller pathways. If a viewing area is too narrow and social distancing is not possible, then that viewing area will be closed. Some indoor habitats and areas may be open during the Zoo’s reopening while animal encounters, some rides, trams, playgrounds, group programs and events, and interactive stations will be unavailable at times. Availability is subject to change due to operational considerations.
Health and Wellness. Face coverings will be mandatory for all Zoo team members in accordance with state regulations. Face coverings for our guests are highly encouraged, but not required. Employees’ temperatures will be checked daily before beginning work at the Zoo. At this time, guest temperature checks will not be required prior to entering the Zoo; however, we ask that guests stay home if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms outlined through by area health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 50 hand sanitizing stations and 14 sets of restrooms are available throughout the park to encourage handwashing and personal hygiene. All restroom facilities and high-touch surfaces, including picnic tables, benches, railings and trash cans, will be frequently disinfected throughout the operating day. Additionally, all rental equipment (strollers, wheelchairs and motorized scooters) will be disinfected before and after each use.
Care and Cooperation. While guests’ visit to the Zoo will look different, these policies and procedures are in place to provide a safe and fun experience for all guests. The health and safety of our guests, employees, volunteers and the more than 10,000 animals in our care remain the Zoo’s top priority and we appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation in helping us with these efforts.