Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The Buffalo Zoo will reopen next week.
The Zoo reopens to members on Thursday, the public the following day, in time for the holiday weekend.
There will be some changes including:
1. Temperature checks using no-touch forehead thermometers for all guests and team members;2. Required masks/face coverings for all guests age two and above;3. A dedicated cleaning and disinfection team and a closure every Tuesday for deep cleaningand sanitation;4. Reduced daily guest capacity to assist with social distancing;5. Required advance online ticket purchase at BuffaloZoo.org, timed entry and touchless,cashless transactions;6. Modifications to some guest pathways and closures of some exhibit features.
Each day the Zoo is open, Buffalo Zoo Members can wake-up with the Zoo and enter one-hour before the general public at 9:00 a.m.
“We are ecstatic to welcome our members and guests back after our extended closure. I want to thank everyone in advance for working together to make each other’s visit an enjoyable one, said Buffalo Zoo President and CEO Norah Fletchall. “While the Safe Steps require some extra effort and planning, we see our re-open as a phased one. We will routinely examine the data and reassess what measures can be removed or remain in place to keep everyone safe when they visit the Buffalo Zoo.”
The Zoo says the reopening will help with financial recovery caused by the required closure as a result of the pandemic. The Zoo says nearly 80 percent of Zoo revenue is generated through gate admission, events, and programs. “Our highest and first responsibility is to provide exceptional care for the animals that reside at the Buffalo Zoo, even amid a global pandemic. While we have reduced many expenses, our animal care and veterinary teams had to remain on-site during our temporary closure,” noted Fletchall. “The cost of admission or membership to the Zoo not only gets you a fun and memorable experience but also contributes to our long-term survival.”