DES MOINES, Iowa - Des Moines' Blank Park Zoo is entering its next phase of reopening Tuesday after COVID-19 restrictions.
The zoo is loosening tickets sales starting Tuesday so that member don't need to reserve passes, although non members will still have to pre-purchase tickets. Discount tickets are being offered for visits after 2 pm.
The zoo's indoor Discovery Center will open to the public Tuesday. In the past few weeks, Blank Park has opened the train and carousel rides at limited capacities. The camel ride and Kids’ Kingdom animal contact exhibit have also opened.
Zoo officials are still trying to limit capacity at the park, and members and pre-purchase ticket holders will have first priority during peak times.
Zoo hours will change on July 1 to 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
“We are hoping to improve the overall visitor experience with this change,” said Blank Park Zoo CEO Anne Shimerdla.