Public concern about the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has spread (as well as the virus itself), and steps are being taken by federal, state, and local authorities to halt its advance. Chief among those steps has been reducing the opportunities for large groups of people to congregate. This has meant cancelling conferences, closing schools, and, yes, there has been an impact on zoos and aquariums.
Dallas Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, the National Zoo, and Monterey Bay Aquarium are among the facilities which are temporarily shuttering themselves, some by their own decision, others in keeping with local ordinances against public gatherings. Some of the facilities which are staying open are closing their indoor exhibit spaces or cancelling special events, including workshops and conferences.
Hopefully these measures will prove temporary. A zoo or aquarium can't be put in storage, nor is there a pause button to push. Animal need continual care, which means keepers need to keep coming in. We'll hope that zoos and aquariums are able to open up and receive visitors (and their money) as soon as they are safely able to do so.
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