The reopening of Mesker Zoo offers much needed adventure post-quarantine

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – As the Mesker Zoo Park & Botanic Garden reopened Monday, Kateryna Krasin said she couldn't wait to take her 10-month old daughter to see their favorite animals on display.

After the zoo closed due to the novel coronavirus, Krasin and other local families were relegated to Google searches and virtual tours online to get their exotic animal fix. But with Mesker staff welcoming back locals for the first time since March, dozens of families joined Krasin as she roamed through the zoo's grounds.

Children excitedly walked along the park's path leading them through Mesker's outdoor areas filled with tortoises, otters, red pandas, lemurs, tigers and other familiar exotic creatures.

Krasin said she was excited to take daughter Adelina Krasin to the facility, a place she's grown to appreciate since moving to Evansville two years ago.

"I was just very eager to see her reaction," Krasin said. "It's a nice way to spend time with your baby."

Mesker Zoo Director Erik Beck said the process of reopening was difficult, but staff members are committed to providing the same sense of adventure and family-like atmosphere even with the zoo's recent changes.

"It's been a lot of work and a lot of effort into reopening the zoo," he said. "We really met the challenge, and we have a lot of new things out here."

To prevent the potential spread of COVID-19, Mesker has implemented new guidelines and restrictions to accommodate guests, staff and the animals. The zoo has a limited number of people who can be in at one time and has temporarily closed off gathering spaces, playgrounds, indoor facilities and buildings leaving outdoor habitats and bathrooms open to guests.

Statff are required to wear masks and clean facility equipment and have also placed way finders and social distancing stickers around the zoo to encourage additional safety practices. 

Perhaps the biggest transition, Beck said, has been the use of online reservations. Instead of conducting on-site admission tickets, guests must reserve their tickets on Mesker's website.

Beck said the removal of on-site admission allows staff to "pace out" the number of guests entering the facility throughout the day.

With these adjustments, Mesker Zoo is offering reduced admission prices.

Each guest receives a $2 discount allowing adults and children (ages 3-12) admission for $7.50 and $6.50 respectively. Children 2 years old and younger still have free access.

While Krasin said she's upset certain areas are closed, she looks to continue exposing Adelina to different animals within the zoo's borders, especially as things continue to open up.

Beck said he's uncertain when other sections of the zoo will reopen, but when he does, everything will be in line with Governor Eric Holcomb's guidelines and additional instructions staff members set in place.

"We took up the concept that we're starting small," Beck said. "As we are comfortable, and as the community is comfortable, we'll start adding pieces back into it."

For more information and to register for admission, visit meskerparkzoo.com/.

– Courier & Press