Auckland Zoo is reopening to the public next week, but limiting numbers to about a third of its capacity so people are spaced apart.
Emperor Tamarins at Auckland Zoo Photo: Supplied / Auckland Zoo
The zoo is set to reopen on Wednesday 27 May with a range of measures to combat Covid-19, after more than two months with its doors closed.
Spokesperson Phil McGowan said all visitors - including annual pass holders - must book online in advance to be admitted, with three staggered arrival windows to reduce crowding.
He said the cafe would be open only for takeaways.
The Night Forest (to see kiwi), Kidzone, African Savannah meerkat tunnels, vet hospital viewing gallery, Australia's rainbow lorikeet aviary and High Country Hut (to see whio, takahē) would all be closed.
A maximum of 2000 people would be admitted in a day. Up to 6000 people would be there on a busy day before the pandemic.
A few smaller or dark indoor enclosures would remain closed to keep people safe, but the zoo would be largely operating as normal, he said.
"As far as the total zoo site goes, those spaces are in the minority. There's so much to see and do, and we've been really busy during level three doing some great mahi all over the site to get ready for reopening next week."
Red panda at Auckland Zoo. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Zoo
Zoo Director Kevin Buley said it had been a tough few months for people so they were excited to welcome people back.
"Since Monday, it's been amazing to see the excitement and optimism on the faces of the staff that arrived for work for the first time in weeks, and I can't wait for our visitors and volunteers to experience those same feelings when they start returning next week."
McGowan said the sulphur-crested cockatoo would be one animal particularly looking forward to interacting with people after a quiet few months.