After almost five months of being closed, the zoo is reopening Friday!
Washingtonians favorite zoo is finally reopening to the public after being closed since November 23, 2020. Since then, a few new animals have been introduced to the zoo that the public will see for the first time; including Xiao Qi Ji the new panda cub, Brienne an Andean Bear, two American bison, a California sea lion, and more.
However, things look a little different and require a little more planning before entering the zoo. Visitors must reserve free entry passes and show up at the reserved time. Entrance to the Asian Trail where you can see the pandas, are separate and can only be reserved on sight at no cost. According to their website, “due to safety procedures, access to the giant panda exhibit is extremely limited to 620 guests per day, and visitors are asked to limit their giant panda viewing to 15 minutes.”
This is to ensure social distancing as the zoo is operating under a reduced capacity limit. Additionally, face masks are mandatory, hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the zoo, and one-way traffic and social distancing markings will help guide you through the zoo.
Unfortunately, a couple of exhibits are still closed; the Amazonia, the Bird House, Our Voices in Saving Species, and the Small Mammal House.