Potter Park Zoo, located at 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI. Photo by: Vikram Mandelia
Potter Park Zoo temporarily closed to the public on Saturday, March 14, following the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Potter Park Zoo Communications Manager Kaiti Chritz said in a press release that the zoo plans to reopen Monday, April 6.
The zoo made this decision following the lead of state and county officials, and in an abundance of caution for the health and safety of the guests, Chritz said in the release.
"This is a fluid situation that we are monitoring closely and we will provide updates as necessary," the release said. "By closing now we will enable our staff to focus on providing quality care for our animals and maintenance to the zoo."
For the safety of the guests and the zoo staff, Chritz wrote, all events and programs scheduled through April 6, 2020 have been canceled, including fundraising event to be hosted by the SciFiles scheduled for March 14 and 'The Falconers' scheduled for March 21.
"As always, the welfare of visitors, staff, and animals remains our top priority," according to the release.
Potter Park Zoo has also taken the precautionary steps to combat the coronavirus, according to the release.
According to the release, the zoo is increasing cleaning of all touch points throughout the zoo, including employee work stations, bathrooms and other high traffic areas to aid in combating the spread of the virus.
Additional hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the zoo, according to the release, and proper hand-washing technique graphics are posted in all restrooms. The staff is advised to stay home when not feeling well.
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