Here’s What You Should Know About Phoenix Zoo’s Reopening to the General Public This September

Published

3 years ago

September 20, 2020

The Phoenix Zoo reopening is something that will excite all animal lovers, outgoing families, and even adults who wish to visit beautiful attractions in Arizona. The zoo was closed in March, reopened in June, and was closed again in July. It’s been really crazy! But the management felt that the decision was best to help the rising coronavirus cases in Arizona. Now that the zoo has reopened, what should you expect?

Table of Contents

Before the Phoenix Zoo Reopening, There Was the ‘Cruise the Zoo’ Tour

Source: Instagram

We’ve already covered the “Cruise the Zoo” tour in our previous article. The creative initiative of Phoenix Zoo lets its visitors explore the awesome zoo without sacrificing safety. It is quite similar to the rides in a safari park, but the thing is you don’t need to worry about tigers approaching your window! The experience allows everyone to enjoy the zoo from your car. There is a safety officer managing the traffic, so you can just focus on all the animals such as the flamingos, giraffes, elephants at the Africa Trail and Tropics Trail. You will also find exhibit guides and information within the trails.

The recent Phoenix Zoo reopening delighted many individuals who have been itching to say hello to the animals in this facility’s care. If you think it’s not such a good idea, rest assured that the management developed plans with recommendations by health organizations as well as local and federal authorities in mind.

Source: Instagram

Phoenix Zoo members were first welcomed back from September 14 to 18. On the other hand, the general public returned last September 19. It will close again to foot traffic the weekend of September 25-27 for the drive-through tour. The website states that the opening hours for September will be from 7:00 am to 12:00 nn. Meanwhile, the members-only hour starts at 6:00 am.

For October, Phoenix Zoo guests may visit following the opening hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Members will be given priority and will be allowed inside at 8:00 am.

Expect Some Changes in the Phoenix Zoo Reopening, But Don’t Worry, It’s All for Your Safety!

Source: Instagram

Are you sure that coming to the zoo is safe? Well, your safety is not just the management’s responsibility. It is your responsibility too. Here are the changes you will notice when you visit Phoenix Zoo:

Many acrylic guards have been installed at various locations around zoo grounds. In areas where acrylic guards are not available, you will find their staff wearing a protective face covering.
The country mandate says guests six years old and over must wear a face covering when entering the zoo. Guests should also wear it when they are within six feet of zoo employees or when social distancing is not possible with other guests. You may be asked to leave the zoo if you don’t comply, or if you endanger other guests.
The zoo embraced a strict and enhanced protocol of cleaning and sanitizing high contact touchpoints. This includes various areas throughout the park.
If you forgot to bring your own alcohol, you can still find more than 50 hand sanitizing stations conveniently located throughout the park for your use.
You will still be able to rent electric convenience vehicles, as well as strollers and wheelchairs. These are all sanitized before and after each use.

What Else Should Guests Expect?

Source: Instagram

You may still purchase from the Jungle Java, Safari Snacks and Crossroads Café (formerly known as Cavern Café). These shops are open for food service. However, there is no indoor concession seating available.
Fewer people will be allowed entry, and some features will be temporarily unavailable.
Guests are discouraged from knocking on, tapping, or touching exhibit windows.
Phoenix Zoo is not enforcing one-way paths since most of the trails are large and wide enough for people. In the few narrow pathways, expect that these will be marked.
The zoo enforced a limited capacity so guests can still practice for social distancing on the 125-acre grounds. If it reaches its capacity, other visitors may have to wait before they can enter.