No Opening Date but Zoo is Ready!

Posted May 22, 2020

No dates yet, but plans are in place to limit capacity without limiting fun

CINCINNATI, OH (May 22, 2020)  The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, which has been closed for 69 days, has been working on a phased reopening plan for several weeks and is excited and ready to welcome guests, starting with members, back as soon as possible.  New protocols, including the implementation of timed ticketing to limit the number of people in the Zoo at one time, have been put in place to provide the safest possible environment for staff, guests, and animals.

“It’s been a long and hard couple of months, and we’re ready to be able to welcome visitors back. We hope that the state will give us the green light to open soon,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard.  “The Zoo brings joy to so many people.  It’s a place to connect with nature, bond with family, learn something new, exercise, and check in on animals that many know by name.”

In phase one of reopening, maximum visitor capacity will be reduced by 50-75% andreservations will be required.  During the first week of operations, only members (with reservations) will be allowed to enter. After that, a limited number of general admission tickets may be reserved online. All tickets must be purchased/reserved online in order to manage attendance and provide a touch-less transaction.  Reservation confirmations will include a specific time to arrive and information about where to park, wait, and enter the Zoo.

“During Phase 1 of our reopening, the Zoo will be almost like a park. Indoor buildings will be closed, as will the train and carousel.  Visitors will be able to enjoy the beauty of the botanical garden and see lions, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, rhinos, Fiona, and many other animals in their outdoor habitats,” said Maynard. “Just being outside in the Zoo’s natural setting offers mental and physical health benefits.”

There will be walk-up-window food offerings with line markers in place to help people stay a zebra length apart!

“It’s not going to be the traditional Zoo experience,” said Maynard.  “I’ll be wearing a mask.  Employees will wear masks, and visitors are highly encouraged to wear them too.  The more we do to keep each other safe and healthy, the sooner we can welcome more visitors back and maybe even return to normal!”

The Zoo is actively engaging with local health officials and following state guidelines.  It will amend protocols for staff and visitors and remain adaptive as the situation evolves.  Visit the Zoo’s Reopening FAQ page for more information about pricing, reservations and entry procedures.