TOLEDO, Ohio — Following Gov. Mike DeWine's announcement that zoos may reopen beginning June 10, the Toledo Zoo announced that their opening date would be Friday, June 12.
This opening date is considered the start of "phase 1" of reopening and comes with guidelines and restrictions that guests and staff must follow.
Only members of the Toledo Zoo may visit the zoo between June 12 and June 30. All visits will require an online, timed reservation to be made in advance. The zoo will be limiting guest access at 2,500 people as well.
Face coverings will be mandatory for visitors over the age of 2 when entering buildings and interacting with staff. Zoo employees will also be required to wear face coverings, except in situations where wearing them may not be practical due to the industry or job.
Both the ProMedica Museum of Natural History and the Aquarium will be open but traffic will be limited. All other animal viewing is limited to outdoor areas only. The aviary and reptile house are two locations included in the closure. The barnyard's reopening is pending.
Lines will be marked off with 6 feet of separation. Walkways will be marked, some 2-way and some 1-way. The pedestrian bridge will be open.
A limited number of outdoor concession stands will be open. No outside food or beverages will be allowed into the park except those required medically or baby formula. Rental of strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and motorized scooters will be available at the Bear Essentials retail kiosk, which will be the only retail location open during phase 1.
Additional temporary closures include the splash pad, all rides, drinking fountains, Nature's Neighborhood, animal feed experiences and the tunnel and elevator to the park.
The zoo will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to deep clean restrooms and other high-touch areas and restock supplies. During the days the zoo is open, every open public restroom will be deep cleaned prior to opening as well and cleaned again hourly. Restroom doors can also now be opened by foot. Phase 1 limits the availability of some restrooms.
Everyone visiting the zoo must park and enter through the Anthony Wayne Trail entrance. Additionally, it's encouraged guests park in every other spot to maintain social distancing. Reservation check-in will take place at the parking lot booths.
The Toledo Zoo's hours for entry during phase 1 are Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the park closing at 5 p.m.
The zoo will not be open Mondays or Tuesdays.
Members can reserve a time now and find out more information at https://www.toledozoo.org/tickets.
According to the Toledo Zoo, phase 2 will be announced in July.