Brookfield Zoo Closes Through April 30

BROOKFIELD, IL — Staring today, Brookfield Zoo will close all of its facilities, both grounds and buildings, to the public through April 30, the Chicago Zoological Society announced Wednesday. This is because of the significant increase in reported cases of the coronavirus, the group said.

Staff will continue to monitor and evaluate developments daily to establish an appropriate date for reopening the zoo’s facilities to the public, according to a news release.

During Brookfield Zoo’s closure, essential animal care specialists and veterinary staff will continue providing the animals with the same high level of care, the release said. In addition, a small crew of the zoo’s plant and facilities staff plans to be on site to service buildings and equipment. All other staff is being asked to work remotely at this time.

Until Wednesday, Brookfield Zoo was open to guests for the past week with limited access. Only outdoor grounds remained open, and all indoor buildings, including animal habitats, Discovery Center, restaurants, and gift shops have been closed since March 14 along with the zoo’s playgrounds and carousel, according to the release.

“The health and safety of our guests, volunteers, staff, and animals is of paramount importance,” Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of the society, said in a statement. “We have been extremely diligent in communicating to staff the most recent updates from health officials, increased the strength of disinfectants used within the park to hospital grade, posted signage reminding guests and staff of proper hygiene and social distancing, suspended staff travel, and instructed employees to stay home if they were not feeling well. As the situation has progressed, we have a responsibility to do our part to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.”