CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Brookfield Zoo is roaring back to life Monday with the return of the Dinos Everywhere! exhibit.
Brookfield Zoo voluntarily closed Dec. 31 for two months. It was the second time the zoo closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The zoo will reopen to the general public Monday, March 1 at 25 percent capacity, up to a maximum of 9,000 visitors. Guests must make reservations online, for both tickets and parking, through the zoo's website. Reservation times will be available in 20-minute increments. No tickets will be sold on-site. All transactions at the zoo will be cashless.
Mitigation measures will remain in place upon reopening. Masks are mandatory when six-feet of distance cannot be maintained. Indoor spaces, except restrooms, remain closed. Additionally all attractions, including Motor Safari, remain closed.
The zoo said it will be cleaning more often, and has added more hand-sanitizing stations.
The reopening also comes with the annoncement of the return of the Dinos Everywhere! exhibit, that features over 40 animatronic dinosaurs, including the largest—argentinosaurus—that was estimated to measure more than 100 feet in length and weigh up to 110 tons. Through Sept. 6, zoogoers will be able to search for these amazing life-like animatronics located throughout the zoo.
Tyrannasaurus rex at Brookfield ZooJim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society
Additionally, since the temporary closure the zoo has welcomed new additions. A 5-year-old polar bear named Hope arrived on Jan. 29. Guests will be able to see her in one of the outdoor habitats at Great Bear Wilderness.
Hope, a 5-year-old polar bear recently arrived at Brookfield Zoo. She will eventually be paired with Hudson, the zoo's 14-year-old male polar bear.Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society
Hope will eventually be introduced to Hudson, Brookfield Zoo's 14-year-old male polar bear. The introduction is expected to take place over several weeks. It is anticipated the two bears will be together by mid-March.
Hope's transfer to Brookfield Zoo from Hogle's Utah Zoo was based on a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Polar Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Sibi, a Mexican wolf, recently arrived at Brookfield Zoo.Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society
Other new faces that guests will see when they visit Brookfield Zoo are two female Mexican wolves—Sibi and her nearly 2-year-old daughter Lorena. Since their arrival from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in Socorro, New Mexico, they have been getting acclimated to their new home at the Regenstein Wolf Woods habitat.
Brutus and Titus, Brookfield Zoo's African lions, celebrated their 5th birthdays today, February 24.Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society
On March 1, guests also will be able to see the zoo's other animals that have access to outdoor habitats, including the grey seals, California sea lions, bison, Amur and snow leopards, Bactrian camels, bald eagles, and Brutus and Titus, the zoo's African lions who celebrated their 5th birthdays on Feb. 24.
Before arriving at the zoo, guests are encouraged to visit CZS.org/KnowBeforeYouGo to review the safety protocols as well to get updates on what animal habitats and other amenities are open.
Admission is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $19.95 for senior 65 and over. Parking is $15. All tickets are nonrefundable.
