Announced Monday, the Oregon Zoo is prepping to reopen its doors to the general public next week.
July 12 marks the grand reopening.
Although we’ve loved all of the videos showing penguins and more wandering around the facility while the coronavirus has closed the business to foot traffic, the zoo’s long-awaited reopening is one that will be exciting for the Portland metro area.
“We’re excited to welcome you back,” reads the article published on the Oregon Zoo website. “By working together to stay safe and healthy, we can remain open.”
Prior to the July 12 public reopening, the Oregon Zoo will be holding a members-only preview event from July 9 to 12 in which paid cardholders can access the attraction before anyone else.
We’re ready to welcome you back! The Oregon Zoo will open with a members-only preview July 9-11, and will open to the general public July 12. General admission reservations go on sale July 8. Learn more about the experience and added safety measures: https://t.co/0Jg4E90JcP pic.twitter.com/pSr5DGH2IR
— Oregon Zoo (@OregonZoo) July 6, 2020
Some of the new regulations that the Zoo has put into place in order to ensure the safety of their guests and staff include time-slot bookings, staff-controlled congregations, mandatory face coverings (as per state orders), capacity limits, and limited food service.
For areas of the zoo in which queues can quickly form, staff members will be present to coordinate safe distances and maintain limits on gathering sizes.
“All zoo guests, including members, must now reserve timed tickets in advance online,” says Oregon Zoo. “You will be asked to pick the day and time to visit, and you will receive an electronic ticket that can be scanned when you arrive.”
The tickets page on the Oregon Zoo website is currently non-functioning, but with Monday’s announcement, the public should be able to pre-purchase tickets in due time.