This article was written in mid-May, but the chart at the bottom is being continuously updated to reflect re-opening status of zoos in the Midwest.
In Mid-March, zoos across the country began to close their doors due to the Coronavirus pandemic. To help flatten the curve, many zoos switched to digital content instead of live visits. As zoos reopen slowly in May, we expect many more to open back up in June. Below we provide a listing of Midwest zoos, and their re-opening status. We also share some trends we’re seeing among the precautions zoos are taking.
In the Midwest, Tennessee and Missouri seem to be at the forefront of zoos reopening. Iowa and Indiana seem poised to be next, with Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin lagging behind.
Typical Precautions
Online reservations – both paid and free – appear to be the standard, being implemented as zoos reopen frequently. Upon opening these systems up, most zoos have run into technical problems immediately – so please be patient with them as they try to implement this process.
Masks are encouraged at most zoos, and mandatory at a few. The Brights Zoo in Tennessee goes a step further to require no-contact temperature checks for all guests prior to entry. Social distancing is required at all zoos, with most closing indoor exhibits as an extra precaution.
An Alternative Way to Zoo
One trend that sprouted in May was the existence of Drive-Thru zoos. Some zoos, like Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana, are doing this on their main zoo paths. Members and non-members can register for a date/time online. Upon arriving to the zoo with a prepaid ticket, cars can drive through the normal zoo visitor paths. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and San Antonio Zoo are others that have tried this out. While online reviews have varied, all experienced very quick sellouts.
While some zoos temporarily opened up driving lanes, another zoo changed its business model to accommodate social distance. Safari Lake Geneva was in the past a walk-thru safari park, with the option of guided tours. Starting May 1, they switched to a drive-thru model. Per their Facebook page, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. They sell out most days in advance, and gained the recognition of a local news segment. We have reservations to check it out for ourselves very soon!
Take a look at the status of zoos from several Midwestern states below.
Zoo Re-Open Status by State
*Updated 7/2/2020
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