During the first phase of reopening, several areas of the zoo will remain closed. Among these, the feline primate house, the bird and reptile house and outdoor activities requiring direct contact with animals or staff such as the farmyard area, Wings of Wonder, camel rides and pony rides will not be open. 

The park playground will remain closed through at least June 30 as staff evaluates how to maintain social distancing guidelines in these spaces.

Admission tickets will be available for purchase at the gate, however capacity limits cannot guarantee entrance at the time of arrival. Guests may be required to wait for the next available time slot if the zoo is at maximum capacity, according to a statement. 

“We are grateful to be able to offer our community a safe way to visit the animals they have missed during this closure,” Director Cynthia Wagner said in the statement.

According to the release, guests are expected to adhere to social distancing guidelines and to wear a mask when closer than six feet to individuals outside of their household and in all indoor spaces if medically able.

Signs and paw prints posted throughout the zoo will guide guests to encourage one-way traffic, and hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout.

Food and beverages will be available with limited offerings to ensure safety. The indoor gift shop will not be open to walk through, but merchandise will be available to purchase from outdoor kiosks as soon as they are up and running.

“We are incredibly thankful for the hard work of the remarkable Potter Park Zoo team, along with the devoted support of our community through this time,” Wagner said. “We can’t wait to welcome you back to Potter Park Zoo!”