Masks Required Indoors at Buttonwood Park Zoo

Buttonwood Park Zoo announced on Monday, August 16 that municipally-owned buildings in New Bedford are requiring mask-use in indoor areas per the executive order from Mayor John Mitchell’s office released on Friday, August 13.

This requirement will enforce the following policies at the Zoo and all other municipal buildings:

• Masks that cover both the nose and mouth are required indoors for all guests over the age of five, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are strongly recommended for children between the ages of two and five.
• Masks are now required to enter the admission building, to use the restrooms, order or sit in the indoor Café, and to enter the Rainforest building.
• Masks are not required in outdoor areas, but social distancing is strongly encouraged.

The executive order also states the following:

• The City's infection rate is one of the highest in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the City has a relatively low full vaccination rate of approximately 43 percent
• There is an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 in indoor areas where members of the public, some of whom might not be vaccinated, congregate.

The Executive Order went into effect at 8 am on Monday, August 16, and will remain in effect until rescinded.

Kim Almeida Boudreau comments on the Zoo's Facebook page, "When an adorable sloth is asking how can you not comply?!" We feel the same way, Kim. Just take a look at Bernardo's and Sandy's new baby at the Rainforest building.