Zoo Boise is opening with various safety measures in place, including a limited number of visitors, one-way walking paths and strongly encouraging guests to wear masks.
Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway says the zoo is keeping a close eye on the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the Treasure Valley.
“If there are spikes that do create a danger or a safety to our employees and/or to our visitors, we'll make the necessary decisions on how to address that," said Holloway.
Holloway said the zoo is prepared to close again, if necessary.
There is some evidence animals may also be at risk of contracting the disease. At the Bronx Zoo in New York City, eight big cats were diagnosed with the virus. Holloway said he is aware of those cases.
“There's just no substantiation on how it's being transferred or if it can be. In some respects, they’ve even considered it more of a fluke that an animal ended up with it and not sure how the animal got it," said Holloway.
Still, he said veterinarians and keepers will monitor animals daily while wearing appropriate PPE. Ensuring the animals are healthy, said Holloway, is just as important as keeping visitors and employees safe.
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