After signaling a June 1 opening, ZooTampa at Lowry Park says it will now officially reopen on Friday, May 29.
According to a statement, the zoo will operate with new social distancing protocols in place, like reducing capacity to 50%, instituting temperature checks at the entrance, and requiring face masks for all staff.
The zoo also says guests are “strongly encouraged” to wear face masks, and they will be provided free of charge.
“We’ve all felt the anxiety and stress of the pandemic on people, including children.” said Joe Couceiro, president and CEO of ZooTampa, in a statement. “Outdoor experiences and connecting with nature and wildlife are healing and bring comfort to people. The Zoo can provide restorative family experiences that are within the recommended guidelines for controlling the spread of COVID-19.”
You can read the zoo’s full 17-page reopening plan here.
ZooTampa also announced a new series of “community days,” with a senior day for people 65 and older on May 26, followed by an afternoon reserved for donors. On May 27, the zoo will be open to frontline medical workers and their families. Then, on May 28, the zoo will open for annual pass members.
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This article appears in May 14-20, 2020.