The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has announced it will be closing to the public starting Sunday, March 15 for the safety of its staff and the public during the current COVID-19 outbreak. The institution says it will remain closed until further notice.
It will also be canceling or postponing “any large events of 100+ people through April 30,” which includes the popular after-hours Tunes & Blooms music series.
In a statement, Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard said, “We know you have concerns about our staff and animals and want to reassure you that our animal team will continue to provide excellent care for our animals. We have a surplus of food and essential medical supplies, so we can take care of them while we’re closed.”
The zoo is also offering digital alternatives to connect with its audience including Home Safari Facebook Live sessions, which will feature online animal encounters and an activity you can do at home. The zoo says the first “safari” will feature Fiona the hippo. Those will be offered at 3 p.m. weekdays starting Monday, March 16.
“Our community has always been supportive of the Zoo, through thick and thin. And with that support, we will get through this,” Maynard said in the release.
The zoo says those who have purchased tickets or registered for an event will receive an email regarding options. Updates will be posted at cincinnatizoo.org.
The Newport Aquarium has also announced it will be closing starting Monday, March 16 with plans to reopen Saturday, March 28.
“While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Newport Aquarium, we are committed to putting the health and safety of our team members, guests and animals first. Doing our part to help prevent further spread of the illness in our community is important to us, and therefore we will be temporarily closing to the public,” reads a release.
“Our devoted animal husbandry teams and essential personnel will continue to maintain the vital systems and processes that ensure the highest level of care for the animals and aquatic life here at Newport Aquarium. These team members have been trained on hygiene policies and social distancing methods and have access to personal protective gear.”
If you have questions about rescheduling a visit or ticket refunds, call 1-800-406-3474.
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This article appears in Mar 4-17, 2020.