PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Phoenix Zoo is back open for visitors after a powerful storm swept across the Valley earlier this week, leaving a wake of damage in its path.
Linda Hardwick, a spokesperson with the Phoenix Zoo, confirmed that the park will open on Friday morning as scheduled. The zoo had to delay its initial Thursday opening as crews continued clean-up across the park.
Members can enter the zoo beginning at 8 a.m., while the general public can visit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hardwick said the Mexican wolf habitat pathway is still blocked off for guests since the concrete needs to be replaced. This small section of the dead-end pathway of the Arizona Trail will be inaccessible to guests, but all other areas of the trail remain open.
The Phoenix Zoo will be closed for the next two days to focus on cleanup and restoration efforts.(Phoenix Zoo)
The iconic ZooLights 50-foot tree is being moved to the shoreline, where cranes will lift it so crews can assess the damage. Hardwick says this will not impact guests’ visits to the zoo; instead, it gives a close-up look at how clean-up is done behind the scenes.
“The Zoo is excited to welcome back guests to enjoy a beautiful October day!” Hardwick shared with Arizona’s Family.
Monday’s microburst hit Tempe the hardest, but left over a dozen trees uprooted and damaged sidewalks and infrastructure at the zoo. Estimated damages to the zoo, including lost revenue, totaled $300,000.
Those interested in supporting the zoo can donate to its Storm Recovery Fund. Thankfully, no animals or staff were injured during the storm.
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