The Oregon Zoo Reopens to Daytime Guests This Weekend for the First Time Since the November Freeze

Of course, the zoo has welcomed plenty of guests over the last month—the drive-thru version of its annual ZooLights event has been a massive success.

Four month-old red panda cub Pabu. IMAGE: Oregon Zoo/Michael Durham.
By Matthew Singer

Oregon's biggest tourist attraction is reopening.

Of course, the Oregon Zoo has welcomed plenty of guests over the last month—the drive-thru version of its annual ZooLights event has been a massive success. 

Starting this weekend, however, patrons will be allowed to get out of their cars to wander the grounds for the first time since the state's mid-November "freeze" to stem the surge in COVID-19 cases.

As when it initially reopened in July, some pandemic-related precautions will be in place: Attendance will be capped, and tickets must be purchased in advance; operating hours are shortened, from 9:30 am to 3 pm; masks are required for entry; and attendees will have to walk along a designated path. Indoor exhibits remain closed as well.

The zoo's first day back is Saturday, Dec. 26. ZooLights continues nightly through Jan. 10.

Related: The Oregon Zoo Plans to Reopen This Summer. Don't Fear the Bat Exhibit.

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