Zoo Atlanta reopened in May with a number of new procedures in place to promote a safe and healthy environment in the time of COVID-19. As families and friends return to Zoo Atlanta to spend time together and to be inspired by the wonders of the natural world in an outdoor park environment, the safety of visitors, team members and animals remains the Zoo’s number one priority.
New procedures include but are not limited to timed ticketing to reduce the number of guests within the Zoo at any given time (visitors are required to make reservations online in advance); implementation of a one-way route through the Zoo that enables and promotes social distancing; signage and other visuals to help guests know where to enjoy watching the animals at popular habitats; and more than 70 hand-sanitizing stations available throughout the Zoo for visitor convenience. Masks are strongly encouraged and are required for entry in some areas of the Zoo. As the phased reopening of Zoo Atlanta continues, it’s hoped that additional favorite amenities can be reintroduced to the experience.
New arrivals to the Zoo include Mumbles, a 9-year-old male southern white rhinoceros who arrived at Zoo Atlanta in May. Mumbles is the first of his species ever housed at Zoo Atlanta, and is the newest addition to the Zoo’s all-new African Savanna. The African Savanna features new and significantly expanded habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, warthogs, and meerkats, with interpretive experiences designed to introduce guests to the real-life conservation connections between us here at home in Atlanta and the animals’ wild counterparts’ imperiled natural habitats in Africa. Mumbles’ new home is an exciting redesign of what was originally the Zoo’s elephant habitat, and the new complex has the capacity to house additional rhinos. Zoo Atlanta will work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) White Rhino Species Survival Plan® (SSP) on identifying future companions for Mumbles.
Also new to the Zoo is Savanna Hall, a state-of-the-art special event destination in the newly restored historic former home of the Atlanta Cyclorama, now housed at the Atlanta History Center. In the renovation of the building, which dates to 1921, Zoo Atlanta undertook meticulous efforts to preserve many notes of its historic past while introducing the structure’s 21st century new chapter: an event experience unlike any other in Atlanta. Highlights include the Michael & Thalia Carlos Ballroom, a two-level space with sweeping views into the African Savanna; the Delta Savanna Terrace; multi-purpose meeting venues; and more.
The African Savanna and Savanna Hall are part of the Zoo’s landmark Grand New View transformation, which also includes a new and enhanced entry plaza. For more on the Zoo’s mission, safety procedures and protocols, and conservation programs and partnerships, visit ZooAtlanta.org.