Fresno Chaffee Zoo to remain open amid governor mandate, tougher restrictions
Movie theaters, entertainment centers and indoor-dining restaurant services in Fresno County will have to close again due to a governor-mandate that attempts to slow the spread of COVID-19.
But one popular spot for entertainment in Fresno will keep its doors open: the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
The zoo took to social media Wednesday to remind all that it will remain open and is not affected by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s orders that calls for certain businesses to close and tougher restrictions on indoor activities.
“The Governor’s guidelines were for indoor areas specifically,” said Brandy Gamoning, Marketing Manager for the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. “We had already been proactive and kept our indoor areas closed when we reopened.
“We still ask our guests to maintain social distance in the park. We’re asking people to bring masks, in line with state regulations. And we ask them to wear it anytime social distancing is not possible.”
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo had been closed for 89 days prior to its reopening June 12.
The zoo had two indoor areas that had been opened to guests — an eatery and a gift shop.
However, both are transitioning to conduct its business outside.
Among other parts of the zoo that will remain close is the enclosed reptile exhibit.
“A lot of our exhibits are kind of outdoors,” Gamoning said. “We still have many sites and experiences open.”
The biggest change guests might notice, Gamoning said, is entry into the park.
The zoo is asking guests to pre-purchase tickets to avoid creating and waiting in long lines.
Tickets are marked with a certain time frame when ticket holders can enter the park to help the zoo manage flow of its crowd.
There is not a restricted amount of time guests have once in the park, though the zoo does close by 6 p.m. each day.
Guests also might be asked to wear masks at certain exhibits regardless how many other people are around out of precaution of the animals.
The zoo suggests checking its website — www.fresnochaffeezoo.org — prior to visiting to stay updated with the latest regulations that will be enforced.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is home to approximately 190 species from all across the globe and is open seven days a week.
On the coronavirus front in Fresno County, its Department of Health reported 281 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths Wednesday. That brings the county’s total to 5,289 positive tests and 75 deaths since the pandemic started in early March.
