(Toronto) The Toronto Zoo is temporarily closing starting Wednesday as stricter public health measures to curb the spread of the highly contagious variant Omicron take effect in Ontario.
Although its exterior portion may remain open under the new rules, the zoo says it is choosing to close to protect the health of staff, customers and animals – especially those vulnerable to COVID-19.
The organization says it wants to ensure that there will be enough staff to care for the animals and maintain the infrastructure.
She says the temporary shutdown will allow her to redeploy and train employees for these key roles if COVID-19 results in a staff shortage.
Zoo staff will remain on site throughout the closure to take care of the animals.
The zoo says the closure will last until at least January 27, and those who have already purchased tickets will be able to use them later or request a refund.