Are the Seaquarium, Jungle Island, Children’s Museum and Zoo Miami open? Here’s the latest
At least three of South Florida’s major tourist attractions is joining the shutdown list.
The Miami Seaquarium has temporarily closed.
“We assessed the current COVID-19 situation and have made the decision to temporarily close our park, effective immediately, to help keep you, our team members and our communities safe and healthy,” the Virgina Key marine park posted on its website. “We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience, and appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.”
Jungle Island is also temporarily closing starting March 16. This includes park events like Kids Research Environment & Wildlife and My Mini & Me in the Jungle.
“Our highest priority right now is ensuring the health and well-being of the general public, our employees and beloved animal family, which is why we made the decision to temporarily close the park starting Monday,” said Curtis Crider, President and Managing Director. “We will be closed until further notice, but will continue to assess the rapidly changing situation.”
The park, on the MacArthur Causeway, said it has increased cleaning, disinfectant and sanitation efforts.
The Miami Children’s Museum will also be closed as of Friday.
“While there are no reported cases of COVID-19 related to our Museum, and only 3 in Miami-Dade County, we are taking this precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all our visitors, employees and community partners,” the museum said in a statement.
Attractions including Zoo Miami, Lion Country Safari and Flamingo Gardens remained open as of Friday morning.
Zoo Miami announced it has postponed its annual fundraiser Feast with the Beasts, which was scheduled for Friday, but it has not yet closed the grounds.
“We continue to monitor the latest information from local, state and federal health officials, and we remain vigilant in ensuring Zoo Miami is safe,” the zoo said on its website.
Guests are asked to be vigilant about helping to stop the spread of the disease.
“Practicing basic hygiene such as washing your hands regularly with soap is the best way to stop the transmission of the virus,” the zoo said.
On Friday, Lion Country Safari, in Loxahatchee in Palm Beach County, shared a photo of a giraffe on its social media platforms Friday to let people know the park is open — at least for now.
“We will update our social media pages and website to alert guests as there are changes,” the park said.
Flamingo Gardens in Davie has also not altered its schedule yet.
“Flamingo Gardens continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for visitors,” the park said. “Under the circumstances, we are acutely aware of the importance of cleanliness and have doubled our strategies to effectively curtail the transmission of COVID-19 at our facility.”
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 11:23 AM.
