KCZoo Reopening to the Public with Precautions

Here We Come ROARing Back!

After being closed for more than eight weeks, the Kansas City Zoo will reopen our doors to the public this Saturday, May 16. We cannot wait to welcome our guests back as both our staff and animals have missed you!

To ensure the health of our guests, employees, and animals, we are taking precautions that follow national and local guidelines for encouraging physical distancing and reducing high-touch areas. Here is what you can expect:

Limited number of guests
ALL GUESTS must reserve an entry time at kansascityzoo.org. Entry times will be available in 15-minute increments, up to one week in advance. This includes Friends of the Zoo members and those holding free passes, although there will be no charge associated with making a reservation for these groups. There will be a limited number of tickets available to keep attendance within the city’s guidelines.

Increased physical distancing
Daily activities such as shows and Zookeeper Chats are temporarily suspended but are available virtually with a QR code you can access with your mobile phone or through our web site.

Indoor exhibits will be one-way traffic as will pathways around the Africa section of the Zoo and through Australia and Tiger Trail. West Africa (across the swinging bridge) will be temporarily closed.

Africa Tram will be operating daily but have limited capacity due to physical distancing guidelines. All other Zoo rides will be closed initially and will begin operations as it is determined safe to do so.

All Zoo employees will wear face masks; guests are encouraged to wear masks for their safety. 

Reduced high-touch areas
Food and beverage options will be available, but we have taken many steps to ensure safety including physically distanced seating, pre-packaged utensils and condiments, and no self-serve options.

Water fountains and refill stations are temporarily closed, but free water is available at any food stand.

Playgrounds, play equipment, and animal feeding stations are temporarily closed.

Additional hand-sanitizing stations have been placed throughout the Zoo.

We encourage guests to use touchless credit card payment whenever possible.

Anyone who would like to visit the Zoo should visit our website at kansascityzoo.org to reserve a timed entry ticket, and to get additional information.