x
Breaking News
More () »

Zoo Knoxville hopes to reopen by mid-May with safety procedures in place

Full details have not been announced, but the zoo will open back up with a much-reduced capacity to help with social distancing and to keep crowds down.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn — Zoo Knoxville is hoping to welcome visitors back once again by the middle of May.

The zoo has been closed since March 16 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most Knox County businesses are allowed to reopen starting May 1 with many safety precautions in mind, but Zoo Knoxville will wait a little longer to make sure they have all of the staff members safely back at work and all procedures tested.

Zoo CEO Lisa New said in a video that the zoo had submitted a reopening plan to city and county leaders, and that had been approved.

RELATED: Zoo Knoxville gains financial support to last through June

RELATED: Helping the Helpers: Zoo Knoxville

RELATED: Amid COVID-19 difficulties, Zoo Knoxville attains prestigious AZA accreditation

She didn't release full details of the plan but said the zoo would open back up with a much-reduced capacity to help with social distancing and to keep crowds down.

"Not only have we missed our visitors, but we believe our animals have, too. It's the time of year that should be boisterous and filled with laughing kids and we're eager to get back to that," she said.

RELATED: Zoo Knoxville was taking precautions to keep animals safe even before a tiger caught coronavirus

RELATED: Zoo Knoxville is "Bringing the Zoo to YOU!" during coronavirus closure

RELATED: Mayor Kincannon proposes $700K in emergency funding for Zoo Knoxville

RELATED: Mayor Jacobs proposes $500K loan to Zoo Knoxville to help during coronavirus closure

RELATED: Lacking visitor admissions, Zoo Knoxville asks for donations to help feed animals


Before You Leave, Check This Out