The Lincoln Park Zoo will voluntarily temporarily close at the start of 2021 after ZooLights ends, the attraction announced. The city’s free zoo will be closed Jan. 4-March 4.
The zoo says that the city and state guidelines that have forced the closing of buildings will put staff and guests at risk in the winter months.
“In addition, many animals choose to stay in their indoor habitats in the wintertime, which would mean low animal viewing and a suboptimal guest experience,” Lincoln Park Zoo says in a release.
Meanwhile, ZooLights will remain open as long as city and state safety measures allow them to be. Admission to the zoo continues to be free, and families make timed reservations on Eventbrite or by calling 312-742-2000. Admission to ZooLights is $5 with a timed ticket.
Face masks will be required for guests over the age of 2 and social distancing will be encouraged on signage around the zoo. There will be restricted access at touch points that include areas of regular high traffic and more hand washing stations and sanitation areas.
For families that elect to remain at home, there are virtual options surrounding the ZooLights experience. The ZooLights Virtual Challenge begins Nov. 27 and is a virtual run to raise money for the zoo. A new Virtual Walkthrough of ZooLights on Dec. 19 lets families see the lights from home with behind-the-scenes information from the producers. Kids can enjoy Storytime with Santa on Dec. 20, and meet a zoo animal with a look inside its habitat.
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