The Potawatomi Zoo is delaying the opening day of the 2020 season. The Zoo was scheduled to open on April 3, but due to the continued need for social distancing to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the Zoo will not open on April 3.
Because of the rapidly changing nature of this situation, the Zoo has not yet set a concrete open date. The Zoo will continue to evaluate the situation for the next few weeks to determine an open date.
Programs and events will be canceled as necessary, and participants affected by the continued closure will be contacted by the Zoo with options.
“We’re disappointed that we won’t be able to open the Zoo on time this year, but it’s clear that we all have to do our part to protect our community, staff, and animals,” explains Josh Sisk, executive director of the Potawatomi Zoo. “We aren’t setting a start date right now because we want to have the flexibility to either move it up or back depending on how circumstances change nationwide.”
The health and safety of the animals and animal care staff are top priorities at the Zoo. The animal care staff and veterinary staff are continuing to care for the Zoo animals with precautions designed to minimize contact between staff members and between animals and staff. The Zoo is following recommended guidelines from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, CDC, and St. Joseph County Health Departments.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Zoo relies on ticket sales, zoo visits, and donations to operate. Anyone who would like to help the Zoo provide animals with enrichment, food, or veterinary care can donate on the Zoo’s website at www.potawatomizoo.org/product/animal-care-fund.
