Timed entries, fewer open attractions. What to expect when Riverbanks Zoo reopens
As the the state works to reopen parts of the economy after shutting it down to curb the spread of the coronavirus, one place awaiting a green light to start welcoming guests is the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
When the time comes, the zoo has prepared a safety plan to protect guests and staff.
Expect to have an assigned time to enter the park and limited capacities at the zoo’s attractions, Riverbanks officials said.
In a move that has cost the zoo $5 million, Riverbanks closed on March 16 as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the country and reached the Palmetto State. At the time, the state’s total count of coronavirus cases was still low. As of Monday, more than 8,900 South Carolinians had tested positive for the coronavirus.
And now the zoo must wait until Gov. Henry McMaster gives his blessing to reopen. In April, he ordered the closure of amusements, such as theme parks, go-kart tracks, mini-golf and zoos in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
McMaster allowed salons, barber shops, and close-contact businesses to reopen for business on Monday. He also recently allowed restaurants to have in person dining rather than limiting establishments to takeout and delivery.
McMaster has not said when he will allow attractions, which can draw big crowds, to reopen.
When Riverbanks is allowed to open, there will be some changes.
Riverbanks plans to have additional handwashing stations and increased hand sanitizer available for guests and staff. It also has ramped up its cleaning practices. The zoo also plans to limit how many guests would be on an attraction at once as well as monitoring how many people are in individual buildings.
Among the zoo’s attractions that will have limited capacity when they open include the Farm Experience, Spots and Stripes kids train, Endangered Species Carousel and Giraffe Overlook, the Aquarium Reptile Complex and the Birdhouse.
Visitors, including zoo members will have to reserve an entry time online.
“It definitely will be different,” said Susan O’Cain, the director of communications for Riverbanks. “We’re making sure what we’re doing is in the best interest of everyone involved: guests, employees and animals.”
Accelerate SC — a group of business leaders, elected officials, and health officials that McMaster assembled to advise him on reopening the economy — has been working on recommended guidelines for attractions to follow for when guests are able to visit. Among the recommendations is removing printed maps, broshures or guides available to carry around the parks and wiping down lap bars, seatbelts, harnesses and restraints each use.
This time of year, the zoo usually sees 6,000 to 8,000 people a day on weekdays and 13,000 to 15,000 a day on weekends, and 80% of the zoo’s revenue is from gate receipts. Since March 16, the zoo has lost $5 million in revenue, O’Cain said.
The zoo had more than 500 employees but laid off 300 people who worked part time in guest relations or as attendants at attractions. When it reopens, the zoo plans to bring back 75 employees, O’Cain said.
“This hit Riverbanks in the busiest season,” O’Cain said.
This story was originally published May 18, 2020 at 4:15 PM.
