The North Carolina Zoo will open to the public Monday, June 15 with some new procedures in place to help ensure the safety of staff and guests.
Advance purchase of timed-tickets will be required for zoo visits under COVID-19 Phase 2 restrictions. There is a limit of 2,000 visitors and no walk-up ticket purchases will be available. No weather or lack of animal visibility refunds will be issued during this time.
Only outdoor exhibits and outdoor dining will be open, and trams will be operating with seat limitations.
Zoo members have had four extra months added to their memberships to compensate for the down time.
Reservations for Ride and Guide tours are available.
Face masks are encouraged but not required.
A one-way path through North America and Africa encourages social distancing. With five miles of trails, the limited capacity and pathway are designed to enhance viewing times.
Indoor habitats including the Seabirds, Polar Bear Underwater Viewing and Ice Cave, the Aviary, Streamside and Desert will be not available.
Indoor dining, the Education Smart Carts, Kidzone and playgrounds and Keeper Talks will not be available.
The Giraffe Deck, Carousel, Butterfly Garden, VR Experience, Zoofari, Air Hike Ropes Course and Treehouse Trek will not be available.
General admission tickets for adults $15 (13-61), seniors $13 (62+) and children $11 (2-12). Children under the age of 2 are free but must also have a ticket/reservation for entry.
Feature photo: This baby chimpanzee was born at the North Carolina Zoo in March 2019 to chimp Gerre (Zha’-ree). Courtesy photo.
Written by Sandhills Sentinel Journalism Intern Stephanie M. Sellers.
