LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ — After closing in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park in Litchfield Park will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 3 ahead of the Labor Day weekend, the animal park announced Sunday.
Masks will be required, signage about social distancing, as well as hand sanitization stations, have been placed around the zoo, and rides will be cleaned after each rider, the zoo said.
The zoo features more than 6,000 animals, including cheetahs, jaguars, tigers, mountain lions, buffalo, bears, monkeys, and an array of reptiles and fish.
To start, the Sky Ride, African Tram, Safari Train, Giraffe feeding station, and Stingray touch tank will be open, the zoo said, as well as all of its indoor animal exhibits.
Additional rides will reopen as guidelines ease.
"We are grateful for the continued support from the public, even while our gates have been closed. It brings me much joy that the time has come that we can responsibly reopen and provide our guests with a safe environment to bring their loved ones," said Mickey Ollson, director of the zoo, in a statement.
During the closure, the zoo completed its latest expansion, a five-acre addition that has two Pygmy hippos, Grevy's Zebras, Nilgai (Asian antelope), Onagers (Asian donkey), Caracals (wild cat), Clouded Leopards, Sarus Cranes, and African birds, the zoo said.
The 30-acre zoo said it also remodeled some if its aviaries and primate exhibits and started construction on the "New Tiger Oasis" exhibit which will feature an above-ground tunnel that will allow its cats to climb above the guests. That exhibit is expected to be done in 2021.
Admission is $23 for children, 3-12 years old, and $41.50 for anyone over 13.
As part of its reopening, the first guests will receive a free doughnut from Alien Donuts or a coupon for a free doughnut until they run out.
IF YOU GO:
Wildlife World Zoo
16501 W Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
https://www.wildlifeworld.com
