LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Zoo will begin its phased reopening Friday, June 12 following its temporary closure in mid-March. The first phase of reopening is reserved for members only while general admission reopens Friday, June 26. The zoo will only allow 100 guests per hour. 

What You Need To Know


  • Louisville Zoo reopens for members June 12

  • General admission reopens June 26

  • Zoo will only allow 100 guests per hour

  • Visitors must purchase tickets online, choose date and time of visit

“We are excited to reopen and offer families a healthy, socially distanced outdoor space to relax and reconnect with one another and wildlife,” said Zoo Director John Walczak. “Our first priority continues to be the safety and health of our guests, staff and animals. Guests will notice staff wearing masks, disinfecting high-touch areas and sharing gentle reminders on social distancing. Thank you in advance for your patience while we work to navigate these uncharted waters and expand capacity once it is safer to do so.”

Tickets for members will go on sale Wednesday, June 10, and tickets for general admission will go on sale Saturday, June 20. Tickets must be reserved online where members and guests will choose the date and time of their visit. No one will be admitted without a ticket, and visitors are asked to limit their visits to once a week during the initial reopening phase. 

The zoo, similar to other businesses and amenities reopening, will follow the latest safety guidelines after working with the mayor's office and the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. 

Some of these safety guidelines include mandatory temperature checks and masks for staff, cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas and one-way routes through the zoo. Visitors are also encouraged to wear masks. 

Indoor exhibit areas, rides and playgrounds will not be open during the initial reopening phase

Outdoor picnic areas have been rearranged to follow social distancing, and limited menues will be available at select outdoor food kiosks as well as water bottle refill stations. 

Along with general admission, the Get Healthy Walking club presented by Nortion Healthcare will also return June 26 from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on a reduced capacity and first-come basis. It will be closed to new members during the initial reopening.