Sedgwick County Zoo plans to reopen later this month with limited crowds, no apes
The Sedgwick County Zoo has announced a plan to reopen to the public on Thursday, May 21, with staggered admissions and limited crowd capacity — and without several of its most popular exhibits and attractions.
Zoo members will be able to return earlier for a “soft opening” starting on May 18.
The zoo announced the detailed plan in a release issued on Monday afternoon. The popular attraction has been closed since March 13 amid concerns about the coronavirus and stay-at-home orders issued by the county and state.
When the zoo does reopen for its “Phase 1,” scheduled to last through June 1, the total capacity each day will be 1,000 people. Tickets will go on sale at scz.org starting Monday, May 11.
Those who want to attend will have to purchase tickets online prior to arrival. Even zoo members will be required to get the reserved online tickets.
People can choose tickets good for admission during half-hour blocks between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members and seniors will be able to shop for early admission between 8 and 8:30 a.m. People can arrive any time within their half-hour block, but their time in the zoo will not be limited.
Visitors will be encouraged to wear masks, and the zoo will be selling them They’re also adding hand sanitizing stations and cleaning restrooms and “touchpoints” more frequently. All zoo staff will be required to wear masks and other personal protective equipment.
The zoo will not be putting on Keeper Chats, Animal Extras or Wild Encounters. Playgrounds, water fountains, farm contact yards, boat rides, giraffe feedings and trams will remain closed. Concessions will be sold from outdoor service windows only.
Also, “due to the potential risk of transmission of COVID-19 from humans to great apes,” the zoo will keep its orangutan, chimpanzee and gorilla exhibits closed.
Visitors also will be encouraged to observe social distancing, and the zoo will place markers in the zoo to keep people moving in the same direction. Staff also will monitor how many people are inside each building based on its square footage.
The zoo’s “Phase 2” will start on June 1, when it will increase capacity to 2,000 people a day.
The timing of the final phase of reopening, in which the zoo returns to normal functions, will be decided in coordination with local and state government and health officials, the release said.
This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 8:21 PM.
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