Line stretches at Houston Zoo as guests are welcomed back
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston Zoo-goers rejoice, the cure to your cabin fever!
The zoo officially reopened Wednesday, and people were definitely excited. ABC13 was there at the reopening and the line of families stretched past the train at Hermann Park.
If you want to go to the zoo, you'll need to follow health and safety guidelines in the midst of the pandemic.
"We have been eagerly awaiting the time when we can reopen with the support of our local and state government," said Lee Ehmke, president and CEO of the Houston Zoo, before the reopening. "During this time, we have been establishing new protocols to ensure we welcome Houstonians to the Zoo in the safest way possible."
New guidelines include making online reservations. This is required for all guests and members. Guests are now able to reserve their spots at the zoo.
A few of their safety modifications include, free hand sanitizing stations along the path, at restrooms, and food locations. While food will be available for purchase, guests are welcomed to bring in their outside food and non-alcoholic drinks.
High-touch areas will remain closed, this includes the carousel and the water play.
For more information on reservations and the safety guidelines, visit the Houston Zoo's website.
The Houston Zoo is a non-profit organization hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility was closed to the public, but the animals still needed to be cared for and the staff needed to be paid. As a result, the Houston Zoo started an emergency fund during the pandemic and will continue to take donations. For more information, click here.
READ MORE: Houston Museum of Natural Science reopens with new rules for guests
The video above is from a previous story.
