Buffalo Zoo to Welcome Guests Back on July 2, 2020
After closing in March due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the Buffalo Zoo will re-open on Thursday, July 2, 2020, with enhanced health and safety measures in place to protect guests, team members, and animals alike. The Buffalo Zoo Safe Steps were created using the directives outlined in NY Forward: Guide to Reopening New York & Building Back Better and guidance from public health agencies and experts.
On Thursday, July 2, the Zoo will open to Members only. The Zoo will open to the general public on Friday, July 3, 2020. The Zoo will be closed on Tuesdays for deep cleaning and disinfection.
Buffalo Zoo Safe Steps include:
- Temperature checks using no-touch forehead thermometers for all guests and team members;
- Required masks/face coverings for all guests age two 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 BuffaloZoo.org, timed entry and touchless, cashless transactions;
- Modifications to some guest pathways and closures of some exhibit features.
When it re-opens, the Buffalo Zoo is excited to introduce a brand new Member benefit — Buffalo Zoo Member Mornings. Each day the Zoo is open, Buffalo Zoo Members can wake-up with the Zoo and enter one-hour before the general public at 9:00 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, said Buffalo Zoo President and CEO Norah Fletchall. “While the Safe Steps require some extra effort and planning, we see our re-open as a phased one. We will routinely examine the data and re-assess what measures can be removed or remain in place to keep everyone safe when they visit the Buffalo Zoo.”
The July 2 re-open also marks a significant step in the long road to financial recovery for the Buffalo Zoo. With nearly 80 percent of Zoo 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,” noted President and CEO, Norah Fletchall. “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 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 to the Fund go to keeping the animals cared for and employees working.
For details and information on the Buffalo Zoo re-open or to purchase tickets, visit buffalozoo.org.
