The Zoo announces the reopening of Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night and increased overall capacity. These changes are in accordance with the Nebraska Governor Pete Rickett’s Phase IV Directive Health Measures. These new operating procedures will go into effect on Friday, September 18, 2020.
Phase IV means that there will no longer be a limit on the number of visitors to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Due to this change, Zoo members will no longer be required to reserve a time slot through the online ticketing system. Paid ticket sales will be available at the Zoo, but timed ticketing reservations are still strongly encouraged for non-members. The timed ticketing system helps encourage social distancing and limits contact.
The number of guests allowed inside Zoo buildings will expand to 75 percent of rated capacity. Masks remain required inside buildings until at least October 20, 2020, per the City of Omaha’s mask mandate. Masks also remain strongly encouraged outdoors at the Zoo. Signage, hand sanitizer and distance markers will remain in place on Zoo grounds to remind visitors of best practices.
“Every step closer to normal is an optimistic moment for all of us,” said Dennis Pate, President and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “But we also continue to take one careful step at a time and remain focused on the safety and health of our animals, visitors and Zoo staff.”
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. 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.
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.
