Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Opening Update
(May 14, 2020) – The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo will be opening to the public on July 4, 2020 in accordance with Governor Holcomb’s orders.
Beginning June 14 through July 3, the Zoo will offer three weeks of exclusive member-only access. Current Zoo members will need a free, timed ticket available only at kidszoo.org/membersonly. Timed tickets will allow the Zoo to spread out the number of guests, expedite entrance lines, and encourage appropriate social distancing as we will follow the Governor’s orders and operate the Zoo at half-capacity.
“Half of our attendance annually is from our Zoo members.” says Jim Anderson, Executive Director. “Before they visit, Zoo members need to visit our website to get their timed tickets. That’s the only way to secure their entry ticket from June 14 through July 3.”
The Zoo will also be extending the 2020 season with additional days in October.
The delayed opening has presented the Zoo with unprecedented financial challenges. Even if the Zoo experiences the greatest summer after opening to the public on July 4, we are projecting a $5 million revenue loss.
“The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is one of just a few zoos who does not receive tax support for our daily operations, and we rely on guests, but especially our Zoo members,” says Bonnie Kemp, Director of Communication. “Memberships can be renewed or purchased online at kidszoo.org.”
About the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is northeast Indiana’s largest tourist attraction, hosting more than 600,000 guests annually. The Zoo was voted Indiana’s #1 “Gotta-Do Summer Attraction” and is consistently named one of the nation’s Top Ten Zoos for Kids by national media outlets.The Zoo is a conservation leader, contributing annually to local, regional, and international efforts to protect wild animals and habitats. The Zoo cares for more than 1400 animals and participates in 63 cooperative species survival plans.
As a self-supporting facility, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo receives no tax dollars for operations. The Zoo’s operations are funded entirely by earned revenue and donations.
Related Images:
