COLUMBUS, Ohio (Dimple Times) – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium reopened on June 12th to zoo members and June 15th to both the general public and zoo members, after being closed for a few months during the shutdown. With things slowly easing into normal, the zoo is one of the many great activities that families can participate in now while maintaining social distancing.
There are some changes as to how things will work now, which will be noticeable before you arrive at the zoo. Members and non-members will be required to select a date ahead of time that they’d like to visit, as well as a time slot. Timed tickets can be printed out ahead of time and shown upon arrival.
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Timed tickets are allowing a limit of how many can attend at a time, keeping the crowds scarce to help provide extra space to maintain social distancing. Upon arriving at your time slot, the zoo staff member will have members scan their own membership card to limit handling.
Buildings such as the aquarium, the reptiles, and other exhibits are open, as well as the gift shops and restaurant areas but there is a set capacity per building. A lot of the hands-on activities are roped off, along with any area with a glass exhibit is roped off. Arrows are placed on the ground for visitors to follow and to maintain a set direction and there is only one door for entry and a separate one for exit.
Around the zoo, you will find that there are hand sanitizing stations set up for people to keep their hands clean and signs reminding people to remain at a six-foot distance. Zoo staff members are wearing masks and Plexiglas is placed at the different food stations.
While there may be differences this year in a means to protect guests, it is awesome to see things opening up and that places like the zoo are still just as fun and enjoyable as always. The animals, after only seeing zoo staff over the past few months, were active and lively during our visit on June 12th and the weather was both beautiful and perfect.
If you’re looking for a summer activity perfect for the family or to enjoy for yourself, consider looking into a zoo membership or purchasing tickets for a visit. The funds from tickets help with keeping the zoo going and are crucial to help maintain their animal’s comfort.
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For more details about reserving your ticket online and to view what dates are available, be sure to visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s website, ColumbusZoo.org.
