Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Announces Reopening Plan

Chris Mosby
·2 min read

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will reopen June 17. When visitors set foot in the reopened park, they'll notice new health and safety protocols to protect guests from the new coronavirus.

“We can’t wait to reopen our zoo to our conservation community after three months,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Chris Kuhar. “While guests can expect to see many of their favorite animals and attractions including the brand new Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve, we will have several safety measures to help protect our staff, guests and animals.”

The zoo has been closed for nearly three months due to state orders. When the zoo reopens, maximum daily capacity will be reduced by 75 percent. Advance reservations will be required for all visitors.

Guests will be able to book a visit online or at the box office. Reservations for June 17-June 30 will soon be available. Additional dates for reservations will be released soon. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Outdoor animal habitats across the zoo's 183 acres will be open to visitors, including the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve. Viewing areas and attractions will have preventative safety measures to ensure social distancing between guests and animals.

Some indoor locations and certain attractions and services will remain closed for the immediate future due to operational constraints caused by COVID-19, zoo officials said. The 4-D Theater, Circle of Wildlife Carousel and Boomerang Line train will be operating at 50-percent capacity and will be temporarily closed for 15 minutes each hour for cleaning and sanitation. The Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter will be limited to guests hand-feeding giraffes.

The Rain Forest will be closed. The Rain Forest Cafe will be closed. Other zoo concessions should be open, weather permitting.

Here are other areas that will be closed at the zoo:

  • All playground areas will remain closed.

  • The Contact Yard and Camel Ride experience will be closed.

  • Tram service will not be available.

  • Interiors of certain buildings including the Primate, Cat & Aquatics building and Sarah Allison Steffee Center may be closed at times, depending on capacity or staff limitations.

Handwashing stations will be placed throughout the zoo for guests. Staffers will be sanitizing high-touch areas like restrooms, doors, railings and ride attractions on an hourly basis. All zoo employees will be required to wear protective face coverings.

Guests are encouraged to wear face coverings, though they will not be required to do so.

This article originally appeared on the Cleveland Patch