DETROIT (WXYZ) — The Detroit Zoo is set to reopen June 8 for members only by advance registration.
Members can enjoy the animals and exhibitions starting June 8 through June 11.
The zoo has new safety guidelines and protocols in place, including barriers in areas and asking visitors to wear a face mask or shield.
“Our goal is to provide the great Zoo experience you love, while also creating an environment that is safe — not only for us humans but also for the animals who may be susceptible to contracting this virus,” said Ron Kagan, executive director and CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society. “We all have a part to play. A shared responsibility is necessary in order to maintain the health and safety of everyone who enters the Zoo and the animals who live here.”
In an effort to maintain physical distancing among guests, the zoo will be limiting capacity to 1,000 per day with fewer than 500 inside at any one time over the 125 acres. After the first phase, the zoo will increase the capacity limit to 2,000 per day.
More than 50 (soon 100) hand sanitizing and hand washing stations will be accessible throughout the grounds, and guests will be prompted to maintain physical distance with ground markers, supported by other safety signage along the routes.
Most outdoor habitats will be viewable and there will be walkup options for dining. Gift kiosks are also available for purchasing merchandise. Select restrooms will remain available for guests with outside doors propped open and staff maintaining capacity limits and disinfecting regularly.
In mid-March, the Detroit Zoological Society made the decision to temporarily close the Detroit Zoo due to the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan.
“We are incredibly grateful to the community, not just for their support during this tough time, but for their active engagement with us over the last few months,” said Kagan. “We’ve loved seeing all of the notes, posts and participation with us on social media. The Detroit Zoological Society loves our community and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to their Zoo.”
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