ZooMontana in Billings will close Saturday in an effort to keep visitors home and curb the spread of the coronavirus, zoo officials said.
“This was a decision that wasn’t made lightly. However, we feel it was the right one for the better good,” zoo Director Jeff Ewelt said in a news release. “Although it is difficult to ask for support during this time, should you have the ability, please consider a donation to our emergency animal care fund located on our website."
Animal care staff will continue working, he said.
Zoo memberships will be extended for the amount of time that the zoo is closed.
Yellowstone County has five reported positive cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Restaurants, bars, casinos, gyms and other public places have been closed as public-health officials seek to stop the spread.
