Have you ever heard the expression ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’? Well, right now with businesses across the country attempting some level of reopening, that just doesn’t apply. Many businesses get one shot at reopening, and a botched plan could lead to long-term consequences. Under this context, zoos across the country have been reopening over the last four-to-six weeks. We were able to catch up with several of them via email this week to find out about what drove their reopening decisions, what obstacles they’ve faced, and other reopening reflections that they have had so far.
Regulations for Reopening
As you might have guessed, guidance for reopening the zoos came from several different sources. Representatives from the Milwaukee Zoo, Columbian Park Zoo, and Potter Park Zoo gave us some insights in this process. All three pointed toward CDC, county, and city regulations as contributing factors to both how and when the zoo reopened. In addition, all three also mentioned that the safety of guests, staff, and the animals was always a top priority in their reopening plans.
As for those safety measures, both Potter Park and Milwaukee Zoo require online reservations. Masks are required at both, and encouraged at the Columbian Park Zoo. All three zoos are following state/county guidelines, as Indiana (currently) has less of a statewide mask requirement than Michigan and Wisconsin.
Obstacles along the Way
While on paper each zoo seemingly followed similar paths, they all seemed to find their own challenges along the way. When asked what the hardest part of reopening the zoo was, each had a different answer. For the Milwaukee Zoo, it was how visitors would respond. Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan, had some similar concerns with visitors adapting to new guidelines. They also found difficulty in hiring additional staff, necessary for helping sanitize the zoo. Zoo Director Cynthia Wagner also mentioned that zoo finds it challenging to not be able to offer their full services to guests in order to abide by social distancing requirements. This includes closing several buildings, and not currently offering animal encounters.
“We have a remarkable team including paid staff and volunteers that came together to get the zoo ready to open to guests.”
Cynthia Wagner, Zoo Director, Potter Park Zoo
The Columbian Park Zoo faced similar challenges. Zoo Director Neil Dale cited determining the right safety precautions as the biggest obstacle. “Because COVID-19 is so new, there is not a ton of research about how it affects animals,” said Dale. “There is also not a ton of research about whether or not people and animals can carry and/or pass to one another. For those reasons, we decided to proceed with a no-contact policy. We have roped off exhibits so that guests will maintain six feet of distance from viewing windows.” Dale mentioned that like other zoos, they will be closing certain parts of the zoo (IU Arnett Family Farm) and turning animal encounters into no-touch, viewing only. As zoo staff has continued to monitor the situation, the Family Farm has since been reopened, with new safety measures being put into place.
But another obstacle that Columbian Park faced that others didn’t was delays in expanding the zoo. They had been hoping to open their new African Penguin exhibit in 2020. While that still may happen, they have faced several delays. Construction on the exhibit is nearly completed. However, the challenge transitions to moving these flightless birds safely from California to Indiana, despite current travel restrictions. “We will need a representative from their facility to travel here with the penguins,” a zoo representative said via email. There is no current timetable for opening the exhibit.
Unexpected Blessings
Despite the negatives that have come from these pandemic-induced closures, all three zoos have experienced some positives. For the Milwaukee Zoo, this meant having additional time for their three new lions to adjust to their new surroundings without having guests nearby.
For Columbian Park and Potter Park, the blessings came in the form of cosmetics. According to Wagner, Potter Park was able to accomplish several exhibit repairs without the hindrance of moving the animals to off-exhibit quarters. “We have a remarkable team including paid staff and volunteers that came together to get the zoo ready to open to guests,” she said.
At the Columbian Park Zoo, Dale admits the closures gave them time to make sure the zoo looked its best when visitors returned. “We have been getting great feedback from visitors about how beautiful the zoo looks,” said Dale.
Visitor Feedback
Positive Feedback has been a welcomed site at all three zoos upon reopening. In addition to being happy to be back and appreciating the cosmetic changes, Dale says visitors are very appreciative of the zoo’s efforts. “Visitors have been very understanding of the rules that are in place to keep everyone, including the animals, safe,” he said. “We have had positive feedback from a majority of people regarding their experience.”
Wagner has had a similar response at the Potter Park Zoo. “Overall, guests appreciate the one way traffic, social distancing markers, and additional signage throughout the zoo, “said Wagner.
Moving Forward with Hope
As more zoos continue to reopen in the coming days, all are hoping for that positive feedback to continue. As much as people need zoos open to get back and enjoy the outdoors, zoos need visitors back even more! Each zoo is appreciative of the supports they’ve received during this time, and they’re anxious to welcome you back soon!
Thank you for reading our article on Zoo Opening Reflections. As you visit zoos, be sure to tag your social media pictures with #BacktotheZoo so we can share them together!
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