(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Brookfield Zoo is closing its doors until May to slow the spread of coronavirus, officials announced Wednesday.
Starting Thursday, the zoo's buildings and grounds will be closed to the public through April 30, Chicago Zoological Society officials said in a statement. For the past week, the zoo was open to guests with limited access.
Effective Thursday, March 19, Brookfield Zoo will close all facilities to the public through April 30 to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of our guests, volunteers, staff, and animals are of paramount importance. More: https://t.co/KVLiPrLuZ1 pic.twitter.com/gPdn5nqQja
— Brookfield Zoo (@brookfield_zoo) March 18, 2020Animal care specialists and veterinary staff will continue to care for animals at the zoo during the period, officials said.
The closure comes hours after state and health officials announced the largest single-day spike of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Illinois, bringing the state's total to 288 Wednesday.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire & Chicago Sun-Times 2020. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
