Advance reservations are required for all Zoo visits
Cleveland Metroparks today announced new safety measures for the Zoo’s reopening on June 17, following a three-month closure due to state orders to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Upon reopening, maximum daily visitor capacity at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will be reduced by approximately 75% and advance reservations will be required for all visitors.
To help maintain visitation numbers and allow for proper social distancing, both members and non-members will be required to make reservations in advance when the Zoo reopens. Guests will be able to reserve their visit by selecting an available date online and at the box office. Reservations for visits from June 17 to June 30 are available
now online, with future dates to follow.
Outdoor animal habitats across the Zoo’s 183 acres will be open including the newly dedicated
Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve. Guest viewing areas and attractions will have preventative safety measures to ensure social distancing between other guests and animals. Some indoor locations and certain attractions and services will remain closed for the immediate future due to operational constraints caused by COVID-19.
In order to protect against the spread of COVID-19, handwashing stations will be located across Zoo grounds for guests to wash their hands frequently. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo staff will be frequently sanitizing all high touch areas including restrooms, doors, glass, railings, KeyBank ZooKey boxes and ride attractions each hour. Additionally, all Zoo employees are required to wear protective face coverings. Guests are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and wear facial coverings during their visit but facial coverings are not required.
“We can’t wait to reopen our Zoo to our conservation community after three months,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Chris Kuhar. “While guests can expect to see many of their favorite animals and attractions including the brand new Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve, we will have several safety measures to help protect our staff, guests and animals.”
Zoo Hours & Operation:
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Both members and non-members are strongly recommended to purchase and/or reserve their tickets in advance. Advance reservations allow the Zoo to manage attendance and allow for a touchless transaction.
Attractions:
Zoo attractions including 4-D Theater, Circle of Wildlife Carousel and Boomerang Line train will be operating with 50% capacity and will be temporarily closed for 15 minutes each hour for cleaning and sanitation.
Deck access at the Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter will be limited to guests hand-feeding giraffes.
Social Distancing Signage and Protocols:
Several exhibit areas will operate in one-way directional flow including Rosebrough Tiger Passage, Asian Highlands, Wolf Lodge, African Elephant Crossing (interior) and Primate, Cat & Aquatics (exterior).
Park signage and Zoo staff at guest viewing areas will assist in creating social distancing between family groups.
Concessions, Gift Shops & Other Guest Amenities:
All Zoo concessions will be open except The RainForest Café, weather permitting. The Zoo's main gift shop will also be open. Guest queues and food court tables will be designated to provide social distancing.
Restrooms, drinking fountains, nursing facilities and first aid stations will be open.
Wheelchair and stroller rentals will be disinfected between uses.
Closed Areas, Attractions and Services:
Some Zoo areas, attractions and services will be closed or unavailable due to operational constraints caused by COVID-19:
- All playground areas will remain closed.
- The Contact Yard and Camel Ride experience will be closed.
- Tram service will not be available.
- Interiors of certain buildings including the Primate, Cat & Aquatics building may be closed at times depending on capacity or staff limitations.
- The Sarah Allison Steffee Center will remain closed.
Separately, The RainForest will remain closed as construction is underway to replace the iconic geodesic dome. A new dome will use state-of-the-art technology to improve lighting, energy efficiency and animal habitats in The RainForest when it is complete in fall 2020.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will continue to evaluate areas and attractions and reopen them as safety and operational constraints allow.
Pricing & CPP Total Experience Passport:
General admission tickets for non-members is $16.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors (age 62 and older) and $12.95 for children (ages 2 – 11). Tickets are not required for children under two.
The Total Experience Pass powered by Cleveland Public Power (CPP) allows guests unlimited access to the Carousel and Boomerang Line train rides, plus a KeyBank ZooKey. Guests save 35% with the Total Experience Pass powered by CPP $8.50/$8 members. The CPP wristband also save $1 at Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter and 4-D Theater.
Free Mondays at the Zoo:
On Mondays, the Zoo will remain free for residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township. However, advance reservations are required for all visitors to manage attendance and allow for a touchless transaction.
Stay Connected to Your Zoo:
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will continue to follow guidelines and best practices from the state and CDC to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visit
FutureForWildlife.org for the latest information on the Zoo.
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