Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo announced that its official re-opening date following the COVID-19 pandemic closure will be on Monday, June 1. A number of new safety measures are being put in place in the next ten days, including staff training, new cleaning protocols, social distancing guidelines for guests, and signage.
Guests are asked to adhere to the following new requirements:
· Masks must be worn by all guests, except for those ages two and under.
· Social distancing must be observed, with six-foot distancing between family groups.
· Tickets must be purchased online in a contactless system: links will be provided on the website and social media before opening.
· There will be two sessions allowing for 50% capacity in each. The first is from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Zoo will close from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for cleaning. A second session is from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
· A one-way loop around the Zoo is identified by signs to keep cross traffic at a minimum.
· Ticket prices are reduced: $15 for adults; $10 for children and seniors age 62 and over. Children under three are free.
· All buildings will be closed with the exception of restrooms.
· Restrooms will be monitored and cleaned throughout the day.
· An online app will allow food orders for pick-up through a side window. Limited menu items. Guests may bring their own food.
· No stroller or wheelchair rentals are available. Guests are asked to bring their own.
· The Gift Shop will have an outdoor kiosk for purchases with an online app.
“The safety of our guests, staff and animals is our number one priority,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “We’ve missed our guests and look forward to welcoming everyone back with confidence that we can all enjoy being outdoors and enjoying the beauty of animals and nature once again.”
“We ask for everyone’s patience as we work through our new requirements in an unprecedented environment,” he added.
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a non-profit organization approaching its 100th year at a time when the mission of helping fragile wildlife populations and eco-systems is more important than ever.
Photo: Zoo Director Gregg Dancho in a mask, ready to welcome guests on June 1.
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Spend the day a world away! Connecticut's only zoo, celebrating its 98th year, features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Guests won't want to miss our Amur tigers and leopards, maned wolf family, Brazilian ocelot, Mexican and Red wolves, and Golden lion tamarins. Other highlights include our new Spider Monkey Habitat, Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, and the Pampas Plain with Giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful, indoor carousel. For more information and updates on the Zoo’s closed status, visit beardsleyzoo.org.
