field trip
A New Path for the Zoo The Oregon Zoo has reopened with COVID-19 precautions in place. Will your kids still like it? Our editor finds out. STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENISE CASTAÑON
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n previous times, planning a trip to the Oregon Zoo would just be about taking sunscreen, water bottles and maybe some snacks. It would not involve a two-parent debate about the safety risks. But in this new age we are living in, that’s what had to happen before I took my two kids back to the zoo they had gone to all of their lives. My husband and I talked about whether this would be a safe activity. We decided since masks were universally required for children older than 5 and it would be limited entry along a one-way route that was primarily outdoors, it was low-risk enough for us to feel comfortable.
Reserve tickets ahead So I looked into how you visit the zoo now. Visitors, both members and non-members, must book tickets ahead of time for a specific time slot. When we chose to visit, the zoo had been open for a few weeks, so even though I waited until a Friday night to get tickets for the next day, plenty of spots were available. I couldn’t get my first choice, a morning slot, but I was able to get a 1:30 pm entry time. Pro tip: If you prefer to go at a specific time, don’t wait until the last minute to secure your tickets.
So much parking! Plan to arrive a little before your entry time, because the zoo will not let you in until the next available time slot if you arrive 10 minutes after your ticketed time. The good news is that you will not be late because you’ve had to circle the lot desperately searching for a parking spot. When we arrived at the parking lot, I’d never seen it so empty before. I was practically giddy at the prospect of so many spots to choose from.
Follow the path Things to know as you plan your trip: Masks are required for everyone older than 5 (except for those medically exempt), blue paw prints mark safe distances between parties; there’s a new route that visitors are asked to follow (so no darting back and forth between exhibits); and some favorites, like the penguin house, are temporarily closed. There are also hand-sanitizer and hand-washing stations set up. While waiting to be admitted to the zoo, my kids and I made a game of jumping to the next blue paw print. I really think the visual reminder was especially helpful for younger kids. Also, most kids and adults were very good about maintaining a safe distance from people outside their own households. And with only one exception of an older man who wore his mask under his chin, everyone we encountered followed the facecovering rules. In certain more enclosed areas, like the beaver and harbor seals habitats, a zoo employee at the entrance politely reminded everyone to keep masks on in the
IF YOU GO: Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd. Admission prices: Adult (12 and up): $17.95; child (ages 3-11): $12.95; ages Parking is $2 per hour/$8 maximum. Visit oregonzoo.org for hours and to reserve tickets. 24
September 2020
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