Craving a visit to an animal theme park? Jungle Island reopens with new rules
Jungle Island will reopen its doors to the public Thursday for the first time since it shut down in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
And yes, there will be a slew of new rules including a mask requirement for all guests over the age of 2 and all employees.
The park said it has followed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, the International Association of Amusement Parks guidelines and Miami-Dade County’s “New Normal” handbook in devising a safe way to reopen the 18-acre park on Watson Island off the MacArthur Causeway.
“While we have learned to adapt amid the coronavirus, it has certainly tested our resolve and taught us to be more resilient,” said Curtis Crider, Jungle Island’s president and managing director, in a news release. “Our leadership team has spent the last few months retraining staff, doing a top-to-bottom sanitization of the park, and putting various social distancing measures in place in order to keep everyone safe.”
Changes include:
▪ Encouraging guests to purchase their tickets and VIP experiences online and not at the park.
▪ Capacity for the park and for shows has been reduced by 50 percent.
▪ Six-foot markers and social distancing signs have been installed throughout the park.
▪ High-touch areas including the bathrooms and playgrounds will be regularly disinfected and cleaned throughout the day.
▪ Hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the park.
To celebrate the opening, the park is offering a 50 percent discount on park admission to all healthcare employees and is offering the ‘Buy a Day, Get 2020’ promotion. The promotion gives anyone who buys a general park admission online an upgrade for a free 2020 Pass, which gives passholders unlimited visits to Jungle Island through Dec. 31.
“We have been here every step of the way for our fans during the coronavirus pandemic and look forward to providing the public with a safe outdoor adventure, as well as showing appreciation to our healthcare heroes,” Crider said. “We have completely redefined our guest experience, but our guests will still enjoy everything they love so much about Jungle Island and more.”
If you go
What: Jungle Island
When: The park will open at 10 a.m. Thursday.
Where: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
Cost: General admission tickets are $39.95 per adult, $24.95 per child (3-9 years old) and free for children 2 and under. Healthcare heroes (anyone who currently works at a hospital) must show a valid ID at the time of their ticket purchase to receive a 50% discount on park admission. Prices do not include fees and taxes.
For more information: Visit www.jungleisland.com or call 305-400-7000.
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