News & Media

SAN MATEO, MAY 30, 2023–It’s a sunny forecast for CuriOdyssey: after a series of atmospheric storms in March forced the San Mateo science center and zoo to temporarily close to the public, the organization is getting ready to reopen its doors to the public on Saturday, June 3.

CuriOdyssey has been closed since March 14, when the first of two major storms battered Coyote Point Recreation Area, the San Mateo County park that includes the CuriOdyssey campus. Throughout the park, over 100 fallen trees blocked access to the park’s roads, parking lots, and pedestrian paths, and damaged pavement, causing safety concerns for the public. With most of the debris now cleared from pedestrian and vehicle pathways, County officials have given Coyote Point tenants the green light to reopen in June, noting that some areas of Coyote Point will remain closed as recovery activity continues.

At CuriOdyssey, the March storms caused additional challenges. The combination of extreme wind gusts and heavy rain during the two atmospheric storms resulted in damage to animal enclosures and medical care facilities, as well as flooding in the main exhibit concourse. A viewing window for the popular North American river otter animal habitat was shattered by a fallen redwood tree and needed to be replaced. And as with all Coyote Point tenants, CuriOdyssey continues to rely on generator power while the park’s transformer awaits repairs.

Despite the infrastructure hurdles, all of the animal residents under CuriOdyssey’s care have remained safe and healthy throughout the extended closure. In fact, when CuriOdyssey reopens on June 3, they will also reopen two aviaries that have been off limits to the public since July 2022 following a concerning global rise in avian flu. Gunner, the North American river otter, is already back at home and happily swimming in his repaired habitat.

“It has been a long 11 weeks since we’ve been able to welcome guests to visit our animals and explore our science exhibits, and we are so thrilled to get back to serving our community again,” said Aragon Burlingham, CuriOdyssey’s executive director. “The support and partnership from San Mateo County and the Parks department has been essential in getting us to this milestone.” The museum will have even more to celebrate when the grand opening of its new building, the Bay Gallery and Labs, opens to the public at the end of June. Further details will be announced on CuriOdyssey’s website, curiodyssey.org, in the coming weeks.

Park access and parking

Some trails, picnic areas, and parking lots remain closed at Coyote Point due to damaged road and trail surfaces and pending the removal of hazards and fallen trees. Visitors should refer to the Coyote Point Recreation Area website for information on what is open, including parking availability throughout the park. Visitors without a park pass or a CuriOdyssey membership can pay the $6 vehicle entrance fee at the gatehouse, or at the payment machine located in the parking lot near CuriOdyssey.

For information about Coyote Point Recreation Area conditions, visit smcgov.org.

CuriOdyssey tickets and hours

Beginning Saturday, June 3, CuriOdyssey will resume its normal operating hours of 10 am - 5 pm Tuesday - Sunday. Advanced ticket purchases are strongly recommended and can be purchased online at www.curiodyssey.org.