El Paso Zoo reopens after being closed during pandemic

EL PASO, Texas -- The City of El Paso reopened the El Paso Zoo to the public on Wednesday, after it had been closed to visitors since March 18 of last year when the Covid-19 pandemic started.

The city shut down the zoo at the time along with animal services, recreation centers, libraries and museums in an effort to reduce group gatherings and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

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Officials recently acknowledged that the zoo's closure had created a significant financial burden of about $1.1 million for the city. That's because the animals still had to be cared for, but there were no revenues from zoo admission fees to offset those costs.

The city indicated the decision to reopen the El Paso Zoo came with the support of the El Paso Department of Public Health.

“While the city continues our fight against Covid-19, we are also aware of the stress caused by the pandemic,” said Deputy City Manager Tracey Jerome. “Quality of Life services such as our Zoo are important to the well-being of our community, and we want to be responsive to providing care and service for our community.”

With the re-opening, the zoo's hours of operation as of Feb. 10 going forward will be:

•          9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Friday
•          9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
•          Closed Monday and Tuesday

A city statement also outlined the following additional information about the zoo reopening...

"All current health and safety protocols will be followed, including required face coverings by visitors and zoo staff, proper hand hygiene and physical distancing requirements. In addition, signage and hand sanitizer stations have been added throughout zoo grounds.

Some indoor buildings will remain closed to the public. The African Star Train, the Hunt Family Endangered Species Carousel and the Copper Canyon Ropes Challenge course will also remain closed, at this time. Keeper chats and interactive activities will not be offered until further notice.

Food and beverages will be available for sale along with limited indoor and outdoor seating. In addition, guests may bring their own food and drinks (glass items, alcoholic beverages and single-use straws are not allowed)."