In a news release, spokeswoman Rachel Davis said the zoo’s gates will close at 5:30 p.m. and remain closed until at least March 31 to combat the spread of COVID-19.

“While the zoo is an almost exclusively open-air destination and is a resource for thousands of students, families and individuals who benefit from the zoo experience and its connections with wildlife, the difficult decision to temporarily close is driven by Zoo Atlanta’s commitment to the well-being of its members, guests, team and volunteers, and community,” Davis wrote.

The 1,000-plus animals housed there will continue receiving the same “veterinary care and enriching opportunities,” regardless of whether or not the attraction is open to the public, she said.

Any updates will be posted to Zoo Atlanta's website.