Memphis Zoo to Require Visitors to Wear Masks — to Protect the Animals

by | May 12, 2020 | Coronavirus, Local News | 0 comments

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While Memphis has been locked down for over a month, zookeepers at the Memphis Zoo have been working daily to take care of their animals. While the zoo’s gates have been closed, the zoo has been losing thousands of dollars.

Desperate to reopen, the zoo presented a phased reopening plan to the city and announced it will open Wednesday, May 13.

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However, next time you go to see the lions and elephants, you’ll be forced to wear a mask. All employees and visitors are required to wear a face mask, and they’re limiting capacity to 2,500 people.

This precaution isn’t just for other visitors, however. The zoo is doing this to protect the animals within the premises, according to a report from WMC Action News 5. They spoke with Chief Marketing Officer Nick Harmeier, who emphasized for parents to do their best to keep masks on their children while visiting.

“A big part of that is our animals here at the zoo can’t wear masks so we still need to make sure we protect them along with our other guests,” Harmeier said in the interview.

If you were looking to visit any indoor exhibits or browse the giftshop, then you’ll be disappointed. All indoor facilities will be closed, according to the zoo’s official statement.

In the past, you could wander around the zoo all day. Now, you will be herded like the animals in the enclosures in one direction around the zoo with directional markers.

These restrictions will surely deter many from visiting the Memphis Zoo, and only time will tell if the zoo will be able to keep up these restrictions and attract business.

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