Zoo Atlanta President Talks Navigating Pandemic, Park Plans For 2021

Raymond King, president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta, joins “Closer Look” to discuss the park’s plans for 2021.

Courtesy Of Zoo Atlanta

One of Atlanta’s most popular outdoor parks has maintained steady attendance since it reopened last year following the lifting of Gov. Brian Kemp’s shelter-in-place orders.

“People have come and enjoyed being outdoors and in a socially distanced fashion, wearing masks, and have felt quite safe," Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Raymond King said. (Courtesy of Zoo Atlanta)
“People have come and enjoyed being outdoors and in a socially distanced fashion, wearing masks, and have felt quite safe,” Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Raymond King said. (Courtesy of Zoo Atlanta)

“Our attendance has been fairly strong,” said Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Raymond King. “People have come and enjoyed being outdoors and in a socially distanced fashion, wearing masks, and have felt quite safe.”

King made those comments speaking to host Rose Scott on Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look.”

During the virtual conversation, he talked with Scott about how the zoo stayed financially afloat and bounced back from a $13 million revenue loss.

“It wasn’t easy, but we made it,” said King.

Through expense trimming, philanthropic support and the innovation of zoo employees, King says the park ended 2020 in good standing and is confidently ready to enter 2021.

He also shared that the zoo has expanded its virtual programming, continued to offer timed ticketing and has several other safety measures in place to keep visitors, staff and park animals safe.

Guest

  • Raymond King, the president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta

To listen to the full conversation, click the audio player above.