Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Reopening June 17

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is getting ready to reopen after a three-month shutdown due to pandemic safety concerns. But guests can still expect some restrictions when they walk through the gates next Wednesday.

The zoo will open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting June 17. The announcement comes a week after Gov. Mike DeWine gave the green light for public entertainment venues across Ohio to reopen.

Daily visitor capacity will be reduced by 75 percent.

Visitors will need to make reservations online, according to a press release from Cleveland Metroparks, with reservations will open soon and running through the end of June, with more dates to be added later.

“While guests can expect to see many of their favorite animals and attractions including the brand-new Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve, we will have several safety measures to help protect our staff, guests and animals,” the zoo’s Executive Director Chris Kuhar said in the release.

Outdoor exhibits will be open, according to the release, but social distancing protocols will be enforced. Signage and zoo employees will each be in place around the property to encourage safe behavior. Certain exhibit areas will be restricted to one-way traffic.

Zoo concessions will be open, the release said, as well as restrooms, drinking fountains and first aid stations. Lines and food court tables will be rearranged to better accommodate social distancing.

Some attractions, including the 4-D Theater, carousel and train will operate with limited capacity and close once an hour for cleaning.

Select areas of the zoo will remain closed to the public during its initial reopening, the release said. Playground areas, the Contact Yard and Camel Ride and tram service will be unavailable. Some interior exhibits, including the Primate, Cat & Aquatics building could close depending on capacity and staffing levels.

The RainForest is closed for construction unrelated to the coronavirus outbreak, the release said, with the project scheduled for completion this fall.

All zoo staff will wear facial coverings, according to the release. Guests will be encouraged but not required to wear masks. Staff will regularly sanitize restrooms, doors, glass and other high-touch areas.

General admission tickets is $16.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors and $12.95 for children. The zoo will continue to offer free admission for Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township residents every Monday, though advance registration will be required.