David Traylor Zoo staff and animals were extremely pleased to welcome visitors through their doors once again Tuesday.
After closing down in early March due to the COVID-19 pandemic the zoo held a “soft reopening” Monday before the official reopening Tuesday morning and afternoon. It’s safe to say residents were pleased to be back inside the zoo as over 70 patrons walked through its doors in just the first hour it was open.
Zoo Director Lisa Keith says it was a welcomed sight.
While the zoo is now back open to the public, Keith says they have taken a number of precautions to maintain proper social distancing and help limit the risk for potential exposure. This includes one-way traffic inside the zoo, providing hand sanitizer upon entry and exit, providing social distancing markings on the paths and encouraging the wearing of masks.
Keith says the zoo has also taken the time to implement some new visual educational opportunities for the younger patrons.
The reopening comes as the zoo is in the process of construction on their new Laughing Kookaburra exhibit and entrance as part of the multi-million dollar Oasis Capital Campaign. Keith says while the work is ongoing, it will not be disrupting zoo operations or affecting patrons’ experiences.
For more information on the David Traylor Zoo visit Emporiazoo.org.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
{gallery}060220 David Traylor Zoo Reopening{/gallery}
