Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Image courtesy of the Buffalo Zoo
Image courtesy of the Buffalo Zoo

Buffalo Zoo to welcomes guests back

Submitted

Fri, Jun 26th 2020 12:55 pm

Says weeks of planning and preparation to ensure guest health and safety

After closing in March due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the Buffalo Zoo will reopen Thursday, July 2, with enhanced health and safety measures in place to protect guests, team members and animals alike.

The “Buffalo Zoo Safe Steps” was created using the directives outlined in “New York Forward: Guide to Reopening New York & Building Back Better,” and guidance from public health agencies and experts.

The Buffalo Zoo will open to members only. It will reopen to the general public on Friday, July 3. The venue will be closed Tuesdays for deep cleaning and disinfection.

The “Buffalo Zoo Safe Steps” program includes:

√ Temperature checks using no-touch forehead thermometers for all guests and team members;

√ Required masks/face coverings for all guests age 2 and above;

√ A dedicated cleaning and disinfection team and a closure every Tuesday for deep cleaning and sanitation;

√ Reduced daily guest capacity to assist with social distancing;

√ Required advance online ticket purchase at www.BuffaloZoo.org; timed entry; and touchless, cashless transactions; and

√ Modifications to some guest pathways and closures of some exhibit features.

When it reopens, the Buffalo Zoo will introduce a brand-new benefit: “Buffalo Zoo Member Mornings.” Each day the site is open, Members can wake-up with the Buffalo Zoo and enter one-hour before the general public, at 9 a.m.

“We are ecstatic to welcome our members and guests back after our extended closure. I want to thank everyone in advance for working together to make each other’s visit an enjoyable one,” Buffalo Zoo President and CEO Norah Fletchall said. “While the ‘Safe Steps’ require some extra effort and planning, we see our reopen as a phased one. We will routinely examine the data and reassess what measures can be removed or remain in place to keep everyone safe when they visit the Buffalo Zoo.”

The July 2 reopen also marks a significant step in the long road to financial recovery for the Buffalo Zoo. With nearly 80% of revenue generated through gate admission, events and programs, the necessary closure has been financially devastating.

“Our highest and first responsibility is to provide exceptional care for the animals that reside at the Buffalo Zoo, even amid a global pandemic. While we have reduced many expenses, our animal care and veterinary teams had to remain on-site during our temporary closure,” Fletchall said. “The cost of admission or membership to the zoo not only gets you a fun and memorable experience, but also contributes to our long-term survival.”

In addition to a visit to the Buffalo Zoo or the purchase of an annual membership, the public can still make a donation to the Buffalo Zoo emergency response fund. One-hundred percent of contributions go to keeping the animals cared for and employees working.

For details and information on the Buffalo Zoo reopen, or to purchase tickets, visit www.buffalozoo.org.

Hometown News

View All News