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Coronavirus Update: Denver Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Close Until Further Notice

DENVER (CBS4) - The Denver Zoo and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo have closed until further notice in accordance with Gov. Jared Polis' order restricting gatherings of large groups of 50 or more due to coronavirus. There are 160 cases of coronavirus in Colorado as of Monday afternoon.

baby rhino denver zoo
(credit: Denver Zoo)

For the Denver Zoo, all scheduled events and programs, including spring break camps, Up-Close Animal Encounters and community outreach programs will be either cancelled or rescheduled to a later date. Tickets purchased for these events can be refunded by calling the Zoo's Guest Care Center at 720-337-1400 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

The free day scheduled for April 9 will be postponed and rescheduled for a later date.

denver zoo elephants
(credit: Denver Zoo)

While gates will be closed to the public the operations staff will continue to work onsite to provide vital care around the clock to the nearly 3,000 animals that call the Denver Zoo home, as well as maintaining zoo infrastructure. Guests can donate to help offset the cost of caring for animals during this time by visiting the Denver Zoo's website.

RELATED: Latest Updates On The Coronavirus Outbreak In Colorado

The Denver Zoo invites the community to continue to experience, explore and learn about wild animals through its website and social media channels.

CMZoo Mountain Lions Left to Right Adira Sequoia Sitka
Adira, Sequoia and Sitka (credit: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo)

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo closed to the public on Tuesday with a planned reopening date of April 1. That date will be re-evaluated as conditions surrounding COVID-19 change.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo posted a statement on its website that reads in part, "During the closure, the Zoo's staff will keep busy, not only providing our excellent standard of care for our animals, but also with other important work around the Zoo. The closure will provide Zoo staff with the opportunity to continue to prepare for Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation inspections scheduled for this summer, which is something that happens once every five years. Staff will also focus on detailed preparations for the opening of the Zoo's new hippo and African penguin exhibit, Water's Edge: Africa, which we hope will open sometime in May. We are thankful to be able to keep all of our Zoo family employed through the 15-day closure."

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
(credit: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo)

Those who wish to support the CMZ during this time can donate on the zoo's website.

Additional Information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:

  • Practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. In the absence of soap and water, use hand-sanitizer; use your elbow or sleeve to cover coughs and sneezes
  • Stay home if you're sick; keep your children home if they are sick. The illness can last for many days so make preparations now to work from home if possible.
  • We advise Coloradans to always be prepared for an emergency-- like a large snowstorm-- and have a plan for your family. Make sure to have 72 hours of key supplies on hand like medications, infant formula, diapers, pet food, etc. FEMA guidance for pre-pandemic COVID-19 preparedness is available on Ready.gov.
  • Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information. People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019, can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.org, for answers in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more.
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