Zoo-goers will have to temporarily shelve their plans to visit the furry residents of Bear Hollow Zoo in Athens as it shuts down for some green maintenance. Management at the Memorial Park location announced the zoo on 293 Gran Ellen Dr. will cease to grant entry next week to allow for the removal of two trees threatening the safety of the facility.
Work is slated to kick off come Monday, March 11, with the zoo releasing a statement that they'll have to temporarily close the attractions as they get down to work. The zoo is set to close doors on Tuesday, March 12, halting visits while the tree felling is underway. It looks to be a quick fix, though, with officials expecting to swing open the gates again by Thursday, March 14. The zoo says visitors should make plans to come see the animals then.
The authorities have yet to fully disclose the specific risks posed by the trees.
The work is pegged to wrap up by mid-week, and it will, decisively, make a safer space for all who wander among our non-human kin. Residents seeking more information on the closure or the operational schedule should not hesitate to reach out to the zoo at 706-613-3800, as stated in their public notice.
Those interested in the interim proceedings—or in planning their triumphant return to the enclosures post-upgrades—can keep their eyes on official updates from the zoo.
