The Oklahoma Aquarium, which reopened amid the coronavirus pandemic on May 8, has announced updated operations with guests no longer required to reserve tickets in advance from May 15.
The updated measures are in accordance with Governor Kevin Stitt’s announcement of the second phase of the reopening plan in Oklahoma.
The aquarium temporarily closed in light of the COVID-19 outbreak in March. Now, guests are able to visit again and can purchase tickets at the ticket kiosk.
In addition, members are now able to visit at their leisure. The Oklahoma Aquarium is still implementing precautions, which can be found below.
Phase 2 reopening plan kicking off in Oklahoma
In honor of #NationalNursesDay our nurse sharks wanted to say a huge thank you to all of the human nurses working so hard on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. We admire you all for your hard work and bravery! pic.twitter.com/ALYfSFuNJW
— Oklahoma Aquarium (@OkAquarium) May 6, 2020
It will remain open from 9am to 9pm, allowing guests to visit at their convenience. Visiting the aquarium in the evenings is encouraged for guests who feel more comfortable with smaller crowds.
The floors will remain marked to ensure social distancing. The aquarium will monitor the number of guests in the facility, also asking guests to respect social distancing guidelines.
All exhibits at the Oklahoma Aquarium will open, including the playground and coin-operated rides and games, as well as the turtle and stingray feed stands. However, feed shows will remain temporarily postponed to encourage social distancing.
Staff at the aquarium will continue to clean and sanitise all surfaces, and hand sanitiser will still be available throughout.
Safety measures in place at Oklahoma Aquarium
The Oklahoma Aquarium will reopen Friday, May 8, 2020. The health and safety of our guests and staff remain our utmost priorities, and therefore, we are taking a number of precautions to ensure the safest environment. Read more: https://t.co/jq4oU6gWTC pic.twitter.com/f0yAWyTwTh
— Oklahoma Aquarium (@OkAquarium) May 6, 2020
Visitors who have already bought a ticket can use it at any time within a year’s purchase.
The Oklahoma Aquarium reopened on Friday (May 8) with a new exhibit, titled ‘Secret World of the Octopus’, which showcases a giant Pacific octopus (via The Oklahoman).
“We’re especially excited to reveal our new octopus exhibit to guests because it was entirely funded thanks to public donations,” said Kenny Alexopoulos, chief operating officer of Oklahoma Aquarium.
Meanwhile, Calgary Zoo is relocating giant pandas Er Shun and Da Mao back home to China. This is a result of bamboo barriers caused by COVID-19.
