Brookfield Zoo will take its second temporary closure of the last 12 months beginning Jan. 1, 2021, after the end of the Holiday Magic exhibit, the zoo said in a press release. The zoo plans to reopen March 1, 2021, as long as state restrictions allow a reopening.
The zoo closed from March 19-June 30 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic after executive orders from Gov. J.B. Pritzker shut down attractions throughout the state. Brookfield Zoo reopened July 1 and guests have visited with timed tickets and reservations to see the Dinos Everywhere exhibit, which closes Nov. 1.
The zoo will remain open through the end of 2020, with its annual Holiday Magic lights display opening Nov. 27 and set to run over 24 days through the end of the year.
“Through these challenging times, the health and safety of our guests, volunteers, staff, and animals continues to be our top priority,” says Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of Chicago Zoological Society, in a release. “The past seven months have been incredibly challenging as we all continue to deal with the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, yet we continue to be reminded of the perseverance, understanding, and tremendous support of our staff, members, and guests. We hope zoogoers take advantage of the additional Holiday Magic evenings this year, and we look forward to opening to the public again in March.”
This year, the zoo added 10 evenings to the Holiday Magic schedule to allow as many families to visit with reduced capacity limits already in place.
During the shutdown from March-June, the zoo added two new lions to its exhibit, welcoming male African lions named Brutus and Titus in April.
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