“For Immediate Release
Contact: Diane Kohout (402) 738-2015
Zoo Public Relations (402) 980-9285
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Changes Operating Hours
Omaha, Neb. (July 24, 2020) – Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is changing the last ticket admission time to 3 p.m. daily beginning on Tuesday, July 28, 2020. Buildings will remain open until 5 p.m. and the Zoo grounds until 6 p.m. Guests can make a reservation for a time to enter the Zoo up to three days in advance of their visit at OmahaZoo.com/Hours-and-Admission. These schedule changes are intended to generate financial savings for the Zoo.
“A closer look at our guests’ attendance patterns suggests that only approximately 5 percent arrive after 3 p.m.,” said Dennis Pate, president and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “Given this information, we feel the earlier closing time is a way the Zoo can achieve some additional cost savings, while causing the least amount of disruption to our visitors.”
The timed ticket reservation process was enacted due to COVID-19 restrictions of limiting contact, encouraging social distancing, and adhering to capacity requirements at the Zoo. Overall capacity of the Zoo remains currently at 9,200 people on grounds, while building capacity is at 50 percent of occupancy rate. These parameters allow guests to safely social distance between groups.
Please check the Zoo’s website at OmahaZoo.com and social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest details and the most current schedule as the Zoo opens additional exhibits and attractions.
The Zoo is committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, animals, and employees, and will make changes as needed based on actual operating conditions and guidance from public health experts and elected officials.
When the Zoo gates closed due to the Coronavirus crisis on March 16, 2020, dedicated staff continued to care for over 30,000 animals every day. Because of the closure, there is a significant revenue shortfall expected. In response, the Omaha Zoo Foundation has launched an Emergency Fund campaign to support ongoing Zoo operations. Members of the community who would like to contribute can visit the Zoo’s website, OmahaZoo.com.
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Consistently ranked as one of the world’s top zoos, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is an independent not-for-profit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo is recognized nationally for its conservation, animal care and exhibit design. As a leader in conservation, the Zoo’s Center for Conservation and Research focuses on areas to benefit animal husbandry and species conservation including conservation genetics, conservation medicine, reproductive sciences, and comparative nutrition. More information is available at www.OmahaZoo.com.”
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
3701 S 10th St.
Omaha, NE 68107
(402) 733-8401
http://www.omahazoo.com
