DES MOINES, Iowa - Blank Park Zoo says it will not hold another "Zoo Lights" event this week because of calls for residents to stay at home during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The zoo says its Zoo Lights: Scoop the Zoo Loop last weekend proved to be popular, and many people have been asking for more such events. The zoo set up lighted animal displays around its parking lot and invited the public to drive through last Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
In a statement, the zoo thanked people who participated in the event and thanked those who donated to its emergency fund. It said it would continue to reassess its decision against holding more Zoo Lights gatherings as the pandemic continues.
Blank Park Zoo also said it's big cats are coronavirus free. It made the stipulation after news tigers and lions in the Bronx Zoo are positive for COVID-19, and likely caught the virus from their handlers.