Places are starting to reopen. Parks are getting crowded – often with masks and some noticeable distancing between patrons. Shoppers do that curious two-step where they shift around each other as they pass. But people are going out. It is spring, the weather is gorgeous and we are all running out of Netflix content.
A number of places around the state will be formally opening in mid-May, as the governor has declared it okay and they take measures to limit number of guests and ensure the highest level of safety possible. There are still plenty of places that will remain closed or cancelled and it may be some time before they return. Movies remain off the list. Cheering on the abominable designated hitter at a Braves game remains out.
For places like the Atlanta Zoo and the Atlanta Botanical Garden however, these are basically private parks with features that require care whether there are patrons or not. Employees have continued to come in, feeding animals or watering and weeding – spending money with no revenue coming in. For some places, without a certain number of customers, it is not worth it to open. But for the zoo, those animals remain hungry and even a much smaller customer base can get some revenue coming in.
Zoo Atlanta will open on Saturday but with a number of implemented enhanced protocols and procedures.
“We are pleased to welcome our Members and guests back to the outdoor experiences and connections to wildlife that can only be found at Zoo Atlanta. As important as this is to us, it was essential that we not reopen the Zoo until we could do so confidently, with the safety of our visitors, team members and the animals in our care as the number one priority,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. “Many weeks of planning have gone into our reopening, and everything we have done or will do is being done with this in mind.”
The safety measures for visitors could mean it is a great time to go if you are able – and measures like these will be common in many places that are opening in the next couple months.
There will be a timed ticketing system to control capacity and limit the number of guests inside the zoo at any one time. All tickets must be purchased online and any transactions at the zoo will be paperless, with no cash exchanged. The normal paper maps have transitioned to digital maps available on mobile devices.
To help optimize social distancing – and some readers may have already been seeing this in the grocery store, at all locations where possible, the zoo will be encouraging a one-way experience to keep everyone moving in the same direction. And as much of the zoo is outside, all buildings other than restrooms will remain closed, as will be the kids jungle gym and play areas. Food and gifts will be sold at outdoor kiosks.
For more on the reopening and visitor guidelines: https://zooatlanta.org/visit/zoo-atlanta-and-the-coronavirus-covid-19/
