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We figure the animals missed the people or they enjoyed the quiet, like year-round residents in a college town during spring break.
After being shut since mid-March because of the coronavirus, the Detroit Zoo came out of hibernation this week with members-only access to walk the grounds during a soft reopening through Thursday.
Starting Friday, anyone can visit with reserved-time tickets that can be bought up to two weeks in advance. Initially, the zoo allowed up to 1,000 guests per day, with no more than 500 at a time. On Friday, the capacity increases to 2,000 per day.
Things are different in the Covid era. Hand sanitizers are readily available at more than 50 dispensers. Some spots are closed for safety reasons. The staff repeatedly cleans high-traffic areas. Markers remind visitors about distancing. And a grass field has a sign that says: "Take a breather! You may remove your mask in this area."
Attendance at the 125-acre park was thin Wednesday because of the forecast for severe thunderstorms. Deadline Detroit's photographer Michael Lucido roamed the grounds to witness life.
