When the Minnesota Zoo reopens its indoor and outdoor trails to foot traffic on July 24, face masks will be required for anyone three-years of age or above according to a zoo spokesperson.
The state-run zoo in Apple Valley announced plans this week to reopen the zoo, four months after it closed down because of COVID-19.
"It has been a long time coming and a lot of planning to get to this points," Minnesota Zoo spokesperson Zach Nugent said.
The zoo's reopening does come with some changes to keep in mind because of COVID-19. Among the biggest change is the zoo's ticketing process.
"You will have to go online and make a reservation ahead of time for a specific date and entry time into the zoo," Nugent said. "We really are making it so once guests arrive we have a certain number at the zoo at a certain time so we can maintain physical distancing."
Trails inside the zoo will be one-way with specific markings and routes to take. Even the some of the animals will have extra barriers to keep them safe from the virus.
"Because we know there are certain species of animals more susceptible to COVID-19, we do have some Plexiglas and other protective measures in place for some of our large cats and primate," Nugent said. "You can still view them, but there are just some extra precautions not to only protect our guests, but protect our animals."
Nugent said the Minnesota Zoo has been in contact with vet staff, animal care staff, zoo's across the world, the Centers for Disease Control, the Minnesota Department of Health, and Department of Animal Health to ensure they're making the zoo as safe as possible not only for humans, but for the 5,000 animals at the zoo.
It’s true! The #MNZoo will be open to the public beginning July 24th! Stringent measures are in place to ensure a safe and enriching experience with the natural world. All guest and member tickets must be reserved online in advance before visiting. https://t.co/uJkDfxqDJs pic.twitter.com/w1VbjZMhiP
— Minnesota Zoo (@mnzoo) July 16, 2020In June, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the zoo was on the brink of closure due to lost revenue during the COVID-19 closure. The Legislative COVID-19 response commission then approved $6 million in COVID-19 relief funding from the state to maintain operations.
"The zoo is not financially whole," Nugent said. "We're very grateful for this appropriation and it does help. It allows us to begin to forging a path forward to see what our next steps can be. We still have a long road ahead of us and quite the recovery process to go through. We are starting to look as what is next for the Minnesota Zoo."
The zoo did reopen in late June for what they called the Beastly Boulevard, which allowed groups to drive through the zoo and experience it from their car windows.
