The Los Angeles Zoo has reopened for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the region.
The zoo closed March 13, but zoo officials said they worked during the closure on creating a safe and modified reopening experience for guests to conform with the county’s Department of Public Health’s safety protocols.
This includes limiting capacity, timed ticketed entry, closing indoor and high-touch spaces, requiring face coverings and providing supplemental signage.
General admission and member reservations are available at www.lazoo.org/reopening.
“By the time we reopened our gates on Aug. 26, the L.A. Zoo was closed to our community for an unprecedented 166 days,’’ said Denise Verret, CEO and Los Angeles Zoo director. “The world has changed over the last several months, and so has your Los Angeles Zoo. You will notice enhanced protocols and procedures onsite to ensure the health and safety of all guests, staff and animals.
“We are thrilled to be able to yet again provide our community with an outdoor, enriching experience that connects people with nature and the animals in our care.’’
The zoo said guests will see new features upon arrival, including:
— Required face coverings for all zoo staff and guests (over the age of two years old);
— Enhanced cleaning procedures for high-contact surfaces and restrooms;
— Additional hand sanitizer stations available at various locations;
— New traffic flows and pathways throughout the zoo for physical distancing;
— Physical distancing reminders, markers and barriers;
— Closures of Papiano Playpark, the contact yard at the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo and the Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel; and
— Closure of indoor and enclosed exhibits.
The zoo has temporarily suspended in-person presentations and events. More information can be found at www.lazoo.org/reopening.
