Zoo Miami had big plans for this weekend. Instead, state COVID surge closes it indefinitely
This was supposed to be a festive weekend for Zoo Miami but Florida’s skyrocketing coronavirus cases and mounting death toll have meant some fast changes have had to be implemented.
So Zoo Miami in Kendall, along with several other Miami-Dade park attractions like Jungle Island, will be closed until further notice on the orders of Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
In addition to the county’s 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. indefinite curfew, Gimenez’s emergency order means entertainment facilities also have to close until further notice or won’t reopen as planned.
“These are challenging times indeed,” said Ron Magill, Zoo Miami’s communications director. “This weekend was supposed to be the 40th anniversary celebration of the zoo but in accordance with the mayor’s most recent executive order, and being consistent with other attractions and institutions that are closing in an abundance of caution, the zoo will be closed until further notice beginning tomorrow morning.”
Health is paramount
Magill says the zoo will finish out its day Friday before closing temporarily. Zoo Miami had reopened with restrictions on May 27 after closing in March due to the virus.
Four Zoo Miami employees tested positive for COVID-19 in late June and were quarantined. Magill said he doesn’t want festivities to take precedence over guests’ or staff members’ health.
“It is certainly disappointing to have to close the zoo on this 40th anniversary weekend but there is no celebration that is more important than the health and well-being of the community that we serve,” Magill said. “Celebrations can be canceled, your health cannot. We are experiencing very serious challenges that require serious actions and we are fully supportive of the mayor’s actions as we all try to contain this insidious disease.”
Jungle Island closed
Jungle Island on Watson Island in Miami also got word Friday it had to close until further notice.
“We are disappointed to have to temporarily close Jungle Island again. We went to great lengths to provide a safe, fun environment for our returning guests,” said Curtis Crider, Jungle Island’s president and managing director in a statement. “But if we have learned anything through this experience, it is that we are resilient. We want to thank our fans and employees for their overwhelming support over the last few months, which further demonstrates just how beloved Jungle Island is in our community. We hope everyone stays safe.”
