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Jacksonville Zoo announces new changes after COVID-19

Jacksonville, FL — Action News Jax walked into zoo on Friday and it was quiet since COVID-19 forced the zoo to shut its doors to visitors.

Animals like the playful small-clawed otter pups would usually have crowds of people taking pictures of them.

“I do feel for some of the animals that would probably have a lot more attention from the keepers and get a chance to enjoy our guests, because the sights, the smells, the colors, the noises. All those things that they would have a chance to enjoy,” Deputy Director of Animal Care & Conservation Dan Maloney said.

Trainers said not seeing human visitors has also impacted the penguins, who are very curious animals.

These birds usually have a lot of fun interacting with guests.

"Trying to combat boredom in here other than our normal enrichment routine is to take them on walks, so we’ve been taking any birds who have been showing a lot of interest in leaving the exhibit," said Larkin Johansen, a trainer.

In the meantime they are preparing the zoo to reopen, but there will be changes.

“We’re going to go cashless, or try to go cashless, we’re going to have a one-way route in and out of the zoo. Things like the train, you’ll know there’ll be physical distancing in the train and the seating,” Maloney said.

Maloney told us they’re also going to continue sanitizing surfaces, and many of the indoor buildings, like the 4-D theater, will remain closed when they initially open in an effort to avoid crowds.

Right now, they’re also looking at three hour time slots that will need to be booked in advanced.

Maloney said the zoo is still waiting to get a heads-up from Mayor Lenny Curry before they re-open.

He said it could take another two weeks, although there is no set date yet. In the meantime, the zoo is collecting donations while it is closed. You can contribute here.

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