Phase 2 means they’ve reopened the Point Defiance Zoo. Here’s what you can expect

The first thing you’ll see when you enter the newly reopened Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is the bronze walrus statue, dubbed E.T., wearing a specially made cloth mask.

The nod to safety reflects the zoo’s multifaceted approach to keeping guests healthy as it opens to the public for the first time in three months.

Following Pierce County’s shift to Phase 2 and discussions with Gov. Jay Inslee’s office and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, the zoo opened Thursday, June 18, at 25 percent capacity. The reduced capacity is just one of many changes the zoo has made.

After purchasing a ticket online, guests should drive through the Mildred Street entrance, since the main entrance on Pearl Street is closed.

“Once people get in using their timed ticket, they’ll enter into a one-way path throughout their guest experience,” said zoo director Alan Varsik. “We’re trying to lessen any kind of chance people are going to be mingling between different households.”

By requiring pre-purchased tickets and timed entry, the zoo is able to regulate the flow of visitors and promote social distancing. The zoo is open 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, and only 71 people are allowed inside the zoo per 15 minutes. Additionally, staff members will be cleaning the restrooms and public areas frequently. Sanitizing stations are set up throughout the zoo.

The aquarium, carousel, playground, Budgie Buddies and goat petting and feeding are all closed, in addition to other high-touch areas. While the indoor, sit-down Plaza Café is closed, refreshments are available for purchase at the outdoor Pearl Street Grille and Swirl Ice Cream & Treats.

Right now, only outdoor exhibits are open, though Varsik says that might change. Last week, the zoo was given approval by the governor’s office to open the aquariums, so it is looking into the logistics of opening those areas. For now, the focus is on making sure guests feel safe with the current setup.

“All our staff are required to wear masks, and we’re strongly encouraging guests to wear masks as well,” Varsik said.

Keeper Chats and Animal Encounters still will occur, but they won’t adhere to a schedule to avoid crowds. Instead, there will be spontaneous animal interactions with keepers throughout the day. Staff members also are stationed around the zoo to answer questions about the animals.

“It’s wonderful to be able to reopen to the public and offer them a safe, fun and educational outdoor experience,” communications coordinator Tessa LaVergne said. “It’s been incredible today to watch children and adults alike once again connect with wildlife and nature. We’re so happy to have everyone back!”

Like LaVergne, Varsik is excited about the reopening. He said he’s been looking forward to this day for months. Staying closed has been financially challenging for the zoo. Part-time staff members were laid off, as were one-third of full-time employees.

“There really is no ‘off switch’ to what we do,” Varsik said. “We have to provide the same quality care for our animals every day regardless of if we’re open or closed. So the past three months have been a significant financial challenge for us to care for our animals, which is the majority of our operational budget.”

The zoo doesn’t qualify for financial assistance, but it did have some cash reserves. Still, Varsik said, it’s been a difficult few months.

“It’s been the biggest challenge of my career, having worked in zoos and aquariums for over 34 years,” he said. “The entire accredited zoo and aquarium field has been greatly impacted. Just about every zoo across the country was closed, and we’re all feeling similar challenges with this.”

But Thursday, Varsik was happy to see guests back at the zoo, safely visiting the animals. He thinks the animals might have missed their human visitors, too.

“The animals are wanting their audience around, the connection with people, that’s part of their natural, normal experience here at the zoo,” Varsik said. “I think they missed out on that.”

This story was originally published June 19, 2020 at 5:00 AM.