December 23, 2024

Lee Richardson Zoo Modifies Operations

LRZ

Lee Richardson Zoo continues to modify operations to support efforts to keep the community safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020, the Finnup Center for Conservation Education will be temporarily closed to the public. The Safari Shoppe, operated by Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo, is implementing a temporary cap on the number of customers in the gift shop at one time.  The six-customer cap facilitates the recommended six-foot spacing needed for the social distancing recommended by CDC and Finney County Health Department.  Dine-in opportunities at the Safari Shoppe have also been temporarily curtailed based on current guidelines.  Take out service is still available.  Zoo staff are working on updates, home activities, and educational segments that will be offered via the zoo’s Facebook page and website.

To support community members during the economic impact of COVID-19, drive-through at the zoo will be free through the end of the month.  Zoo staff are continuing the increased disinfecting of hard, non-porous, frequently touched surfaces, including doorknobs, handles, and counters at the public restrooms, and playground equipment.  Under current guidelines, the zoo will continue to offer drive-through and pedestrian access for zoo guests. 

The zoo offers a beautiful open-air outdoor space that can be enjoyed while guests maintain the recommended social distance of 6 feet.  During these unprecedented times, the zoo staff continues to work diligently to care for the community, the zoo residents, and the facility in which the community is so invested. 

For more information on coronavirus, go to Center for Disease Control and Prevention website (cdc.gov/coronavirus), Kansas Department of Health and Environment website (http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/) or Finney County Health Department Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/finneycountyhealthdept/). Finney County Health Department Hotline is 620-272-3600.