Roger Williams Park Zoo To Reopen June 1

CRANSTON, RI — Roger Williams Park Zoo will reopen June 1 as Rhode Island moves into phase two of reopening the economy, the organization announced Wednesday. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance online.

Tickets will go on sale Thursday. The zoo will only be open to Rhode Island residents who are active zoo members on June 1 and 2. From June 3 through 7, Rhode Island residents, both members and non-members. On June 8, the zoo will officially open to the public.

The zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No tickets will be sold at the gate, instead all tickets much be purchased online, with hourly time slots to discourage crowding. Once inside the zoo, patrons can remain until it closes at 4 p.m.

"The entire staff is excited to welcome everyone back to the Zoo," said Jeremy Goodman, the zoo's executive director. "We are enhancing cleaning procedures and following the state’s mandated requirement that everyone wear face masks. We are also placing reminders around the Zoo emphasizing social distancing to keep all our guests and staff healthy and safe. There is no better place than our 40 acres to enjoy nature, visit with animals we all love, and engage in learning about wildlife and wild places."

All visitors will be stopped at the entrance gate, and must show that there is a face mask for each person in the vehicle, pre-purchased admission tickets and, during the initial week, proof of Rhode Island residency and/or proof of membership.

Guests will only be allowed to park in every other slot to encourage social distancing. Before entering, all guests will have their temperature checked, and anyone with a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher will be required to wait in a designated area then checked again. If the temperature is still at or above this reading, the visitor will be asked to come back another day.

Inside the zoo, pedestrian traffic will be one way through the grounds. Staff and volunteers will be stationed around the zoo to guide visitors and answer questions. Guests can bring their own strollers, wheelchairs or wagons, and rentals will be available as well.

Because of the current restrictions on outdoor dining, no food can be brought into the zoo. Food can be purchased at the zoo's cafés, which have been retrofitted to meet safety standards.

Enhanced cleaning protocols have been put in place, including restrooms, tables, railings and more. Hand sanitizer stations have been placed around the grounds, and guests are encouraged to clean their hands frequently. Face masks must be worn by all guests. Staff and volunteers will wear face coverings, as well.

All indoor buildings will remain closed, and high-touch play areas will be unavailable. Until further notice, Hasbro's Our Big Backyard, the Explore and Soar rides and the carousel will be closed, while the Bank RI Farmhouse Stage Wild Bunch Performances will not be held.