After two months of voluntary hibernation, Chicago’s major zoos have announced their reopening plans for early next month.
The short version: It’ll be pretty much the same procedure it was before the shutdowns enacted to save money and be safer amid COVID-19 spread. The key element is that those wanting to visit, beginning March 1 at Brookfield and March 5 at Lincoln Park, need to get timed-entry tickets in advance via their websites.
Tickets will be limited to 25 percent capacity, and masking and/or distancing are mandatory with bathrooms being the only indoor spaces that are open. Indoor animal exhibits remain closed, as well as most add-on features, such as Lincoln Park’s kiddie train.
Lincoln Park Zoo members can visit the weekend of Feb. 27-28, members-only days, with online reservations already available via a link at the website or Eventbrite. For the regular opening times, reservations to the free zoo begin Feb. 28 via Eventbrite or by telephone at 312-742-2000.
The North Side zoo is hosting a Beer & Bears fundraiser for its reopening weekend March 6. Perks include admission to the zoo on the 6th, special brews from nearby Dryhop and access to a Second City online show on the 7th. More details are on the site.
Brookfield tickets run from $18 for kids up to $25 and must be booked online.
sajohnson@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @StevenKJohnson
