OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium announced restrictions in place for when it reopens to the public on June 1.
According to the Zoo, the opening is being planned as a one-way "walking safari," which will include social distancing and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
Guests are encouraged to wear face masks while at the Zoo.
Paw prints have been added in busier areas to help with 6 ft social distancing while signs and barriers mark the 1.8 mile walking path.
Guests can only enter the Zoo through the Main Gate while the North Gate will be used for exiting only.
Additionally, guests must make a reservation for a time to enter the zoo in advance of their visit, which will help keep attendance to approximately 2,700 visitors at any time.
The Zoo says reservations can be made up to two days in advance, with time slots available every half hour between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.
See more information from the Zoo below.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium plans a phased reopening
Phase 1 includes no indoor access but allows outdoor guest usage with clearly defined guidelines for the health and safety of Zoo guests and staff. There will be timed ticketing to keep guest attendance at a capacity that allows adherence to the 6-foot social distancing recommendations. Phase 1 capacity will be no more than 3000 guests at any given time and requires a time reservation to be made ahead of the visit at OmahaZoo.com/Hours-and-Admission.
Phase 1 Reopening Begins June 1, 2020
All buildings are closed. No public access to indoor buildings including exhibits, restaurants, and the gift shop. No access to Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails or Scott Alaskan Adventure Splash Park.
• Reservation for a time to enter the Zoo must be made online at OmahaZoo.com/Hours-andAdmission before visiting.
- Reservations can be made up to 2 days in advance of visit.
- Timeslots are available every half hour between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
- There will be a Members Only hour from 8 to 9 a.m. on June 1 through June 7.
• Main Gate for entrance to the Zoo only.
• North Gate for exiting the Zoo only.
- Please note the different entrance and exit gates for parking purposes.
• Walk-through experience only.
- The walking path is approximately 1.8 miles from entrance to exit.
• One-way traffic only.
- Guests will not be able to backtrack on the one-way path.
• No tram service available.
• Rides limited to Sue’s Carousel (with appropriate spacing and sanitizing).
• Concessions and retail items available at outside venues only.
• No ATM available.
• Stroller, wagon, ECVs and wheelchair rental available (limited supply).
• No behind the scenes tours in person. Limited to virtual only.
• Outside restroom access.
• Face mask usage by guests is strongly encouraged.
To limit contact and adhere to social distancing guidelines, guests must make a reservation for a time to enter the Zoo in advance on OmahaZoo.com/Hours-and-Admission.
• IDs and online reservation receipts will be checked at the Zoo’s main entrance. Memberships are non-transferable.
• AZA reciprocal zoo admission program is suspended at this time.
• Tickets are discounted at $20.95 for guests ages 12 and over, $13.95 for children ages 3 to 11, and $19.95 for seniors ages 65 and over.