DES MOINES, Iowa - Des Moines' Blank Park Zoo has set aside an evening for people wearing face masks.
The zoo's designated Thursday, July 9th as "Mask Night", when all visitors over the age of two will be required to wear a mask while on the zoo's grounds. Masks are currently only required inside the Discovery Center .
Mask Night will also limit the capacity of the zoo to about 20 percent.
“Since we have reopened, we have wanted to create a time for those in our community who feel more comfortable when all visitors are wearing a mask,” said zoo president and CEO Anne Shimerdla.
Blank Park Zoo held two "Zoo Lights" events in April, when it staged a display of lighted animals in its parking lot and invited the public to view the lights while staying their cars. The presentation proved popular at the time when residents were urged to avoid public contact at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Mask Night
- Thursday, July 9
- 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Admission: $14/adult, $8/child, $11/senior. Members are free but must reserve a Mask Night Ticket
- Purchase/Reserve tickets