Anonymous wrote:I went once when my oldest (now 10) was 18 months and hated it. It was during the height of summer and it is not flat - it was horrible. But I am not a big fan of zoos and the only one I have really enjoyed and would like to visit again is the San Diego one. It was the 1st and only time I had fun in a zoo. Although I do like petting zoos

I think we all know what our zoo is like. Op was wondering how it is in Covid times.

We went early Sat - before 9 and left by 1030. It felt crazy hot/humid in masks even though it was only 80 when we left and lots of the path in the shade. Highly recommend going early to stay cooler and less crowded but also to see animals active. We did the lower route only and were able to see all the animals - only the grey wolves weren't visible.

Everyone we saw was wearing masks - only a couple with noses out. We were impressed with the one-way/two-way organization, roping off surfaces, and thought most were serious about social distancing. People good about taking turns to stay distanced at best viewing areas. Only a few run-ins with smaller walking kids who got out of parents grasp.

They limited capacity to 5000, which is 20% normal capacity. Also, no indoor exhibits are open and any possible surface that could be touched or played on is covered/heavily marked with do not touch signs.

It was not crowded at all compared to a normal summer weekend. There were some clumps of people around some of the active animals (seals, elephants) but for the most part each family was able to see and still have space. All of the adults I saw and most kids were masked. There was so much hand sanitizer, as well.

That said, wearing a mask in this heat is hellish for my kids and I, so we only stayed for 90ish minutes.

I went once when my oldest (now 10) was 18 months and hated it. It was during the height of summer and it is not flat - it was horrible. But I am not a big fan of zoos and the only one I have really enjoyed and would like to visit again is the San Diego one. It was the 1st and only time I had fun in a zoo. Although I do like petting zoos

We went at 8am. Not crowded but was getting crowded by 10.30 when we left. Everyone but little kids masked though a few people were idiots. One way paths helped but a few more signs explaining the paths would have been helpful.

Anonymous wrote:Yes the apes were thrilled to see humans with hanging masks from one ear.

Yes I saw one with a standby mask wrap around the arm. This was a TV repoter. This gotta be the new thing...You know how girls have their hair bands on wrist.... something similar.

We’re waiting until the fall. Too hot to wear masks for long outside.

There were too many people who weren’t adhering to social distancing around 10:30-1. And clearly some jerks who had masks down or had their noses out. My 3 year old wore a mask better than many adults there today. The zoo tried but without enforcing the distancing and masks in the interior its not going to work. I won’t be back for a long time and certainly not at peak times. It was just too crowded.

Yes. We live very close by. We went at 8 so it was okay, although the news crews were obnoxious. By 9:30 on our way out, it was too crowded for my taste with people not wearing masks properly. They also have all these asinine signs around so most paths are one way. So when you're there with your kids and you've hiked 100 yards up the hill to see the cheetahs, the sign on a wiiiide open path says "exit only", you get to lug everyone back down the hill and around to see the thing that's otherwise 25 feet in front of you. They should just let in less people and not try to get them to flow a certain way. That was VERY frustrating.

Yes the apes were thrilled to see humans with hanging masks from one ear.

I’m not ready to be run over by strollers in the heat.

Don't think OP was asking if it was a priority....just if people went. I did not go, but as a mom of toddlers, would also be interested to hear.

Anonymous wrote:Seems like such a low priority.

For you, maybe. I can't wait to visit again. We will only visit outdoor exhibits/wear masks, etc. But we are thrilled it has reopened.

Seems like such a low priority.

The National Zoo opened up today. Who went? How were people with masks and social distancing?