Two months after its originally-scheduled opening for the season, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo opened its gates over the weekend, with some limitations.
Now through Friday, July 3, only members of the zoo will be able to visit, and will have to acquire tickets ahead of time on the zoo’s website. These tickets are free, but timed; the zoo will limit the amount of guests per hour, saying this allows them to spread out the number of guests, expedite entrance lines, and encourage appropriate social distancing.
Zoo director of operations Dan Sheehan says they are doing everything they can to adhere to federal health guidelines and Governor Eric Holcomb’s “Back on Track” plan to “reopen” the state, despite local coronavirus numbers continuing to ride.
“Throughout the park, we’re going to do some things at our ride locations and food stand locations to social distance with markers throughout the park, our staff will be making routine rounds at high touch points to make sure those are addressed as well,” Sheehan said.
Sheehan noted several photo opportunities and children’s exhibits will not be open, and that drinking fountains will be turned off, encouraging visitors to bring their own water.
Staff will also be wearing masks, and visitors are asked to do the same.
And residents will be treated to some of the new features that were first announced earlier this year, before the COVID-19 pandemic. A “discovery garden” where animal demonstrations will take place is being introduced, for example.
Director of animal programs Joe Smith says its newest species should be exciting for visiting families.
“We also have two brand new African cape porcupines, those are a new species for the zoo and are fun to see and are active," said Smith. "We also have a new otter in our otter exhibit, named Meeko, who is just two years old, brings lots of energy to that space and lots of entertainment.”
The limited opening is exclusive to members of the zoo. As of this writing, the governor’s plan would allow the zoo to reopen at full capacity on Saturday, July 4.
