Update from the Wildlife Conservation Society
On the Reopening of WCS Zoos and Aquarium
Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo to Reopen
New York Aquarium Reopening Postponed Until Further Notice
Based on New NY State Phase 4 Guidelines
New York – July 18, 2020 – Based on new Phase 4 guidelines from the NY State Governor’s Office on Friday, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is moving forward with plans to reopen its four zoos but will postpone the reopening of the NY Aquarium until further guidance from the state. All outdoor exhibits and grounds at its four zoos (Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo) will be open while indoor exhibits will not open at this time.
Governor Cuomo announced Friday that NY City would move into Phase 4 but this phase for this region will now not include indoor activity in malls, restaurants, or cultural institutions.
As announced previously, all four zoos will be open Monday through Thursday this coming week, July 20-23 for WCS members only; and open to all guests beginning on Friday, July 24.
All other details, including new safety protocols, from WCS’s earlier announcement on its parks reopening will remain the same. You can find the July 9 news announcement HERE.
WCS is committed to following all guidelines from the state and city and ensuring that guests have a safe and enjoyable experience in its parks. All its zoos offer extensive outdoor exhibits and grounds that allow guests to have experiences with nature and wildlife.
All information about ticketing and exhibits can be found on the websites of each park.
As guidelines from the state and city change, we will adhere to all their mandates and keep the public informed about park operations.
Background Information
Highlights of reopening guidelines for all four WCS zoos:
· Tickets must be purchased online for a specific date/time.
· No walk-up/on-site tickets will be available.
· At the Bronx Zoo, tickets will be sold for entry at 10am; noon; and 2pm. At the other parks, entry time slots will be sold on the hour all day until closing.
· Members and Healthcare Heroes must obtain tickets online and these tickets too will be date and time specific.
· The traditional free Wednesdays at the Bronx Zoo will begin Wednesday, July 29 and require advance ticketing online.
· Masks/Face coverings will be required at all zoos and the aquarium for all visitors ages 3 and up.
· Social distancing protocols will be in effect throughout the parks.
· Cleaning procedures will be enhanced, especially in high-touch areas.
· Lines, stores, and food concessions will be monitored to ensure that mask wearing and social distancing recommendations are met.
· Day camps and education programs will be available online and will be virtual.
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The Bronx Zoo, located on 265 acres of hardwood forest in Bronx, NY, opened on Nov. 8, 1899. It is world-renowned for its leadership in the areas of animal welfare, husbandry, veterinary care, education, science and conservation. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) which manages the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium. Our curators and animal care staff work to save, propagate, and sustain populations of threatened and endangered species. We have educated and inspired more than 400 million visitors at our zoos and aquarium since our opening and host approximately 4 million guests at our parks each year – including about a half-million students annually. The Bronx Zoo is the largest youth employer in the borough of the Bronx, providing opportunity and helping to transform lives in one of the most under-served communities in the nation. The Bronx Zoo is the subject of THE ZOO, a docu-series aired world-wide on Animal Planet. Members of the media should contact mdixon@wcs.org (+1 (347) 840-1242) for more information or with questions.
Is open every day of the year. It is Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) which manages the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium. It is located on 14 acres along the Atlantic Coast (602 Surf Ave., Coney Island, NY) and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Fall/winter/spring hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily. For directions, information on public events and programs, and other aquarium information, call 718-265-FISH or visit our web site at nyaquarium.com. Members of the media should contact mdixon@wcs.org (347-840-1242) for more information or with questions.
Max PulsinelliT: +1 (718) 220-5182 C: + (571) 218-7601 mpulsinelli@wcs.org
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