Hundreds enjoy first day at NC Zoo since coronavirus closed it

After three months of being closed due to the pandemic, the NC Zoo opened its doors today as hundreds of excited guests came to visit. Some new changes and rules are in place to help make the NC Zoo a safer place for guests.

Posted 8:54 p.m. Jun 15, 2020 — Updated 11:29 p.m. Jun 15, 2020

Bryan Mims

, WRAL reporter

ASHEBORO, N.C. — Despite the cool, rainy weather, hundreds of people showed up Monday at the North Carolina Zoo--its first day open to visitors since it closed due to coronavirus three months ago. However, a visit to the zoo amid an international pandemic looks and feels very different than it used to.

Several changes are in place to help keep guests safe during the pandemic.

Fans of the North Carolina Zoo said come rain or shine, they wanted to be here on this reopening day--and appreciated the cool weather and smaller crowds.

Zoo spokeswoman Debbie Fuchs said re-opening is a morale boost for animals and people alike.

"This is what we've been waiting for. This is what we do. We want to invite people to come out, and it's great to see the energy and great to see the little kids running in," she said.

NC Zoo uses Facebook Live to share animal updates during virus outbreak

What changes and safety precautions can guests expect?

1. Guests must buy tickets ahead of time.

The biggest change you'll see is getting into the zoo: You must buy tickets and reserve your visit ahead of time.

This helps stagger the number of visitors and prevent too many people from showing up at once.

Guests can go online, buy a ticket and reserve a time to be here.

2. Fewer people will be allowed in the park.

The NC Zoo has also drastically cut the number of guests allowed in the park. Although the park can accommodate up to 15,000 people, the zoo is limiting daily attendance to 2,000 visitors.

3. Social distancing ground guides have been placed.

Signs and guides to promote social distancing have been placed around the zoo, prompting people to maintain six feet of distance from one another.

4. Indoor exhibits aren't open yet.

The indoor exhibits--such as the aviary and desert exhibits--are closed.

5. Paths only go one direction.

The park has set up each walking path to only allow one-way traffic.

6. Masks are strongly encouraged.

The zoo is not requiring masks, but strongly encouraging guests to wear them.

The North Carolina Zoo's website and Facebook page have all the details on reservations and rules.

Fuchs said the animals have really missed having visitors. She said, "You know, I think animals have missed the people, especially our more social animals like the chimps or sea lions."

WRAL's Bryan Mims visited the NC Zoo today to give us a sneak peak via live stream:

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