The Detroit Zoo shakes off an unwelcome three-month hibernation as it reopens for donors through Thursday and for anyone Friday.
Dustin Walsh of Crain's and a 4-year-old son were among masked visitors on Day 1. He describes a partly "depressing" experience:
The zoo's four-day soft reopening includes an initial limit of 500 people in the zoo at any one time and only 1,000 total for the day, a far cry from a normal mid-70s weekday of 10,000 visitors. ...
A scan of the grounds reveals that, yes, in fact, 500 people is an incredibly small number of guests for the 125-acre park.
At first, I relished the idea of having the park virtually to ourselves. No screaming children. No hordes of strollers and wagons to sidestep. No lines. ... But by the time Twin B and I sauntered to the camel exhibit, the emptiness was louder than all the cries of exhausted children and exasperated parents prior to Covid-19. ...
Through no fault of the zoo — it's sincerely going above and beyond to maintain safety — the reopening experience was depressing. The zoo is a place of childhood glee and finding comfort among crowds seeking the same enjoyment and distractions as you and your family. The masks rob you of seeing the kids' smiles. The heightened safety protocols destroy any sense of escape and comfort.
Times are open Thursday and beyond "as we adjust capacity limits for the 125-acre park," the attraction posts. Starting Friday, up to 2,000 daily guests can enter.
We have also now opened reservations for the general public for visits starting this Friday. You can read our full guidelines and plan your visit at detroitzoo.org/health.
► Book a time: Reserve here | $14 adults, $10 children (2-18), $10 seniors (65+), $8 parking
