Smithsonian's National Zoo Reopens Friday, Face Masks Required

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Smithsonian's National Zoo will reopen Friday with numerous safeguards put in place during the coronavirus pandemic. The zoo will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Face coverings are required for all guests ages six and older. Face coverings are recommended for guests ages two to five. All employees will wearing face masks. The zoo also will be limiting the number of guests in the park to 5,000 per time and will use timed entry passes.

Signs and markers will be placed throughout the park to help guests follow safety guidelines and practice social distancing. New hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the park and bathrooms will be open for people to wash their hands. Bathrooms, door handles and high-touch surfaces will be cleaned more frequently. Touch exhibits and other areas where we cannot ensure social distancing will be closed.

According to the zoo's website, some paths in the park will have one-way traffic to encourage social distancing. Some indoor exhibits and narrow paths will be closed. The Giant Panda House, for example, will be closed, but the upper outdoor viewing path will be open.