Como Zoo Reopening Wednesday, Reservations Required

SAINT PAUL, MN — Saint Paul's Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will reopen on Wednesday after more than four months of closure, the zoo announced in a blog post. The zoo is set to reopen at 10 a.m. with numerous coronavirus protections in place.

Among the zoo's reopening protections is a limited capacity. For now, the zoo will only allow 250 people inside at a time.

The zoo said it's now relying on a reservation system to limit the number of people in attendance, and that reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. It will still be free to visit the zoo, but donations are accepted.

Each reservation is good for up to four people, including infants and children.

The zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and visitors will be allowed to enter during 30 minute increments based on appointment times. Reservations to visit the zoo can be made online.

On its website, the zoo said guests will be required to enter at Cleveland Court between the carousel and Como Town.

While inside, staff and visitors will be required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing. They'll also be asked to observe one-way walking paths throughout the facility.

Due to health concerns, the zoo said wheelchairs, strollers and drinking fountains will remain unavailable for use. Anyone in need of personal items like wheelchairs or bottled water should bring it from home.

"We believe we are in the best possible position to welcome you back in a safe and responsible way for not only for you, but for our staff, and animals," the zoo wrote on its blog. "We want to thank you for being a supporter of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory during this challenging time, and we hope you have enjoyed the daily Como Live segments and the social media posts while we have been closed."