Lincoln Park Zoo will close for two months starting Jan. 4
Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo will remain open through the holidays, but it will close Jan. 4 for two months because of new COVID-19 restrictions.
The outdoor ZooLights holiday display will go on as planned. However, new restrictions affecting indoor exhibits - brought on by a rise in COVID-19 cases - prompted officials Wednesday to announce that the zoo will close from Jan. 4 to March 4.
"Per city and state guidelines, Lincoln Park Zoo cannot open its buildings, which could present a safety risk to staff and guests who must remain outside in Chicago's coldest months," according to a statement from the zoo. "In addition, many animals choose to stay in their indoor habitats in the wintertime, which would mean low animal viewing and a suboptimal guest experience."