The Zoo is happy to announce the reopening of the Lied Jungle on Friday, June 26; the Alaskan Adventure splashgrounds on Saturday, June 27; and the Lozier Giant Screen Theater on Monday, June 29.
“Thanks to the great work of our employees and the overwhelming support of the Omaha community, the Zoo is continuing to take one careful step at a time back toward regular operations,” said Dennis Pate, president and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “We are so happy to see guests enjoying the animals and learning, while remaining focused on the appropriate precautions to keep everyone healthy and safe.”
The upper level only of the Lied Jungle® will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Alaskan Adventure splashgrounds will be open with a reduced capacity daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. There are two films showing daily at the Lozier Giant Screen Theater®: Turtle Odyssey 2D at 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. and Superpower Dogs 2D at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The number of shows has been reduced to allow extra time for cleaning and sanitizing rows after each show. Also, seating will be every other row in the theater and guests will be asked to maintain 6-feet social distancing between each party.
The decision to allow visitors into buildings was made based on the most recent health and safety guidelines provided by the governor’s office. A risk assessment was also completed in the animal areas. As a result, the Zoo is requiring masks for guests entering buildings to protect the animals. Children under five are exempt from this rule, as well as those who have medical concerns. The mask requirement is temporary as we fight coronavirus as a community.
The Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, the Desert Dome, Stingray Beach and the Gift Shop are currently open. Skyfari is operating on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Indoor capacity guidelines will be managed to maintain a 50 percent occupancy rate. The Main Entrance can be used for both entry and exit to the Zoo, while the North Gate is exit only for now. Drinking fountains and water refill stations will remain unavailable, as well as the tram service. A limited supply of stroller, wagon, ECVs and wheelchair rentals will be available.
To limit contact, encourage social distancing and adhere to capacity requirements, guests will continue to make a reservation for a time to enter the Zoo in advance of their visit at OmahaZoo.com/Hours-and-Admission. Reservations can be made up to two days in advance of the visit. Timeslots are available every half hour between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
Please check the Zoo’s website at OmahaZoo.com and social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest details and the most current schedule as the Zoo opens additional exhibits and attractions.
The Zoo is committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, animals, and employees, and will make changes as needed based on actual operating conditions and guidance from public health experts and elected officials.
When the Zoo gates closed due to the Coronavirus crisis on March 16, 2020, dedicated staff continued to care for over 30,000 animals every day. Because of the closure, there is a significant revenue shortfall expected. In response, the Omaha Zoo Foundation has launched an Emergency Fund campaign to support ongoing Zoo operations. Members of the community who would like to contribute can visit the Zoo’s website, OmahaZoo.com.
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