Lincoln Park Zoo set to temporarily close beginning Jan. 4

It’s the zoo’s second pandemic-related closure.

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Guests of the Lincoln Park Zoo will be able to see lions and other big cats for the first time in nearly two years beginning Oct. 14.

Lincoln Park Zoo is set for its second temporary pandemic-related closure beginning Jan. 4. | Sun-Times file photo.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file

Lincoln Park Zoo is set to close for two months beginning Jan. 4, the zoo’s second pandemic-related closure.

The zoo — but not the indoor areas — has been open to the public since June 29. But with the approach of cold weather, those restrictions pose a safety risk to staff and guests, officials said.

“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,” the zoo said in a statement.

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The zoo temporarily closed on March 12 but reopened in late June, requiring reservations, facial coverings, social distancing and limits on the numbers of people allowed in the zoo at any one time.

Despite closing to the general public, the zoo is planning two “members only” weekend visits Jan. 9-10 and Feb. 27-28.

Meanwhile, the annual Zoolights event runs through Jan. 3. Tickets are $5 per person and are available at lpz.eventbrite.com

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