Good news for those who wish to visit the Cincinnati Zoo! There are updated and more relaxed mask policies in place.
Governor Mark DeWine lifted the mask mandate for vaccinated Ohioans. However, businesses have the option of choosing to impose their own requirements on masking.
As of May 17, masks are not required in most outdoor areas, and on June 2, even unvaccinated individuals may be allowed to go maskless.
The Cincinnati Zoo has established its own policies which are also clearly stated on its website. Here is a rundown of the zoo's mandate on wearing masks.
Cincinnati Zoo policy on masks
Masks are not required in outdoor areas. These are areas where social distancing can be maintained. Masks are only required in indoor spaces, spaces where humans and animals interact, and in crowded outdoor areas.
However, as of June 2, masks will ONLY be required in the spaces where humans and animals interact. You can still choose to wear masks if you are worried about safety but it is no longer mandatory.
Here is a statement from the zoo,
During the past year and a half, the Cincinnati Zoo has gone above and beyond to protect guests, staff, and animals, and we will continue to follow guidelines from health officials to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Zoo events
The Cincinnati Zoo remains one of the biggest attractions in the city. It is highly rated on websites like Tripadvisor. It is currently rated at 4.5 stars out of 5 and is listed among the top 17 places to see in Cincinnati. It is also considered to be one of the best zoos in the United States.
The zoo only reopened last June after shutting down for 3 months due to COVID-19. It is important to note that you need to make a reservation and reserve a time if you want to visit the zoo. This is for both members and regular visitors. The zoo is still limiting the capacity of people it will allow.
The zoo suggests reserving tickets at least 2 weeks in advance but sales are final and tickets are non-refundable.
The zoo is open daily from 9 am (for Cincinnati zoo members) and 10 am for regular visitors. May is Zoo Babies month and the zoo highlights babies and their mothers. Zoo Babies is sponsored by Dawn (dishwashing detergent). It is a free event that is included along with the admission ticket.
For Zoo Babies Month, Fiona the famous baby hippo is still the star of the zoo although she is 4 years old now. Visitors from all over the United States still arrive to see Fiona with some even traveling all the way from Seattle and even as far away as Massachusetts.
Zoo Babies started on May 1 and it will run through May 31 so there is still time to visit all the cute baby animals at the zoo. Just make sure you stick to the mask guidelines at least until June 2 when it will be relaxed even further.
Source: Cincinnati Zoo, WLWT5 News