Woodland Park Zoo To Close Until March 31, After Governor's Order

SEATTLE, WA — Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo will close to the public Thursday and remain shuttered through at least March 31, the zoo announced Wednesday.

Zoo officials cited the directive from Gov. Jay Inslee barring large public gatherings in three Washington counties until further notice. King County Executive Dow Constantine said gatherings with fewer than 250 people should also be canceled unless they can meet specific protocols outlined by public health officials.

Woodland Park said animals will continue to receive care and attention as normal, and promised to share photos and updates with the public throughout the closure.

"We currently have a surplus of essential food and medical supplies for our animals and will prepare contingencies and proactively monitor our supply chain to assure essentials remain on-hand through the coming months," the zoo wrote on Twitter. "Your support during this time is why we are so very fortunate to consider you all a part of the Woodland Park Zoo family."

Zoo officials said employees who provide "vital care to our animals and infrastructure" will continue to report to work, but all other employees will work from home or receive paid leave.

Read more about the closure on the Woodland Park Zoo website.