Indy Zoo reopens June 19 with new protocols

One of the handsome cheetahs at the zoo awaits visitors. Photo: The Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo has announced June 19 as its reopening date!

Due to the corona virus, entry to the Zoo has changed. All guests and members must obtain a timed ticket in advance by going to

www.IndianapolisZoo.com. Timed tickets will be available to Zoo members starting mid-morning on Monday, June 15, and to the general public starting mid-morning Wednesday, June 17

“We have a safe and smart plan to reopen for visitors. I know people are eager to return to the Zoo and I am confident we will provide a safe, healthy environment and a great experience.” said Dr. Rob Shumaker, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoological Society. “I can’t wait to welcome our community back to the Zoo.”

Here’s a checklist of what guests and members need to know:

• All guests and members must obtain a timed ticket in advance by going to www.IndianapolisZoo.com. Members must reserve a spot ahead of time for any guests included in their memberships – the Zoo is not able to accommodate additional discount ticket purchases for members at this time.

• Zoo guests are urged to take their temperatures and perform health checks on their entire party before coming to the Zoo. If a guest is exhibiting any flu/cold-like symptoms or have a temperature of 100.4 or above, we request them to remain at home.

• Staff will wear masks and guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks.

• All transactions at the Zoo are cashless.

• Visitors are required to wait at or in their vehicles until their entry time. Parking is included with admission.

• Groups of visitors will be expected to follow the six feet of social distancing guidelines.

• Indoor exhibits will offer one-way traffic only with each area monitored with limitations of how many guests can be in the space at one time.

• Additional hand sanitizer stations have been added throughout the Zoo.

• The Zoo will be sanitized and disinfected daily. A specially trained cleaning crew will conduct continuous rounds of disinfecting all restrooms, trash cans, picnic tables and handrails.

• Water fountains will be turned off. Guests are urged to bring their own water bottles.

• The indoor café will be closed but food service will be available from the outdoor takeout windows with a limited menu initially and wrapped individual cutlery/condiments.

• Zoo staff and volunteers will be monitored daily for fever, and if found to have a concerning temperature, will be required to go home and follow CDC quarantine. Temps of 100.4 and higher will not be admitted to Zoo.

• Rides, playgrounds and overnight experiences will initially be closed. Camps will resume June 15.

For more details about camps go to www.IndianapolisZoo.com/learn-explore/.

The Indianapolis Zoo is a partner with Pet Pals TV.