Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Enters Phase 2 of Reopening
As part of Florida’s Phase 2 reopening of the state, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has made updates to their modified operations.
Zoo operations will continue to be modified, following federal and local guidelines, to ensure the safety of Zoo visitors, annual pass holders, staff, and animals. Modifications will include limiting in-park attendance to 50% capacity, required online timed ticketing for all guests, additional barriers around certain animal habitats, and the continued closure of certain attractions and indoor venues. Every guest entering the Zoo will be strongly encouraged to wear a mask.
“The support from our community since we reopened has been great,” said Dino Ferri, CEO. “All our guests have been respectful and understanding of our modified operations, so we're thankful for everyone's patience as we continue to work to ensure the Zoo is a clean and safe place for our guests, volunteers, staff, and animals.”
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is following a Reopening and Modified Operations Plan, which was approved by Seminole County Emergency Management officials on Thursday, May 6. With guidance from Seminole County officials, the Zoo has been approved to enter Phase 2.
New Modifications Include:
- The Zoo is now open from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. daily.
- Online timed tickets required for all guests, to ensure safe and comfortable capacity and limited contact admissions.
- The Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, the KaBoom! Playground, and the Spectrum News13 Children’s Garden have reopened.
- The Zoofari Outpost Gift Shop is open and will be monitored to ensure occupancy limits.
- Based on current State guidelines, the Zoo’s limited indoor venues will begin opening this week with capacity limits of 50% being monitored. This includes, the Insect Zoo, Bear House, and Herpetarium.
- Sonny’s BBQ will operate from 10:30 a.m to 3 p.m.
- A six-foot minimum of physical distancing will be required, monitored, and enforced throughout the property.
- In-park animal feedings and encounters, as well as keeper chats and show, are suspended until further notice.
- Enhanced cleaning protocols continue to be practiced throughout the park.
A separate plan for modified operations for Seminole Aerial Adventures and the Carousel have been reviewed by the Seminole County Office of Emergency Management, as well as the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Bureau of Fair Rides. These attractions will resume operations in the coming weeks.
The Zoo will continue to offer a special hour on Tuesdays from 9 AM to 10 AM, to accommodate vulnerable guests. Tickets must be purchased online, in advance, through the Zoo’s website at www.centralfloridazoo.org/tickets.
For information about the Zoo’s reopening and to purchase required timed tickets, please visit www.centralfloridazoo.org/reopening.
PLEASE NOTE: Construction is underway on West Seminole Boulevard near the Zoo’s entrance.
Barricades are in place at the intersection of West Seminole Boulevard and Monroe Road. Visitors will need to use caution and bypass the Road Closed sign. The Zoo is accessible during construction.
Visitors can access the Zoo from eastbound West Seminole Boulevard at Monroe Road, eastbound 17-92, or Interstate 4. Guests will not be able to access the Zoo from westbound West Seminole Boulevard and should follow all detours. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of possible detours and changes in traffic patterns while construction continues in the area near the Zoo’s entrance.
PHOTO: © Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. All Rights Reserved.
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