PHOENIX — The Phoenix Zoo has officially reopened after Monday’s storm, which toppled trees and damaged multiple structures, caused a three-day closure.
The zoo opened to members at 8 a.m. and will open to the general public at 9 a.m. on Friday.
Most of the cleanup has been completed, but the zoo said Friday that the pathway to the Mexican Wolf habitat in the Arizona Trail area remains blocked off, as repairs are still needed to the concrete walkways. However, all other portions of the Arizona Trail are open to visitors.
No animals were injured during Monday’s severe weather.
The zoo said zookeepers moved all animals to night houses during the storm. The houses held strong and kept the animals safe.
What damage did the storm cause at the Phoenix Zoo?
The thunderstorms that rolled through the Valley on Monday knocked more than a dozen trees over, caused debris and mud to be spread over walkways and caused flooding in some areas, the zoo said earlier this week.
The storm also caused damage to two of the zoo’s top attractions for the holiday season ZooLights event, as the 50-foot-tall floating tree and the light tunnel, located between the giraffe enclosure and Predator Passage, were both knocked over.
Additionally, a tree fell on a ramada at the Giraffe Encounter, creating a large hole in the roof.
While most cleanup work has been completed, the zoo said the damaged ramada will take some time to repair and further work is needed on the ZooLights attractions.
The floating tree, which is located in the lake in the center of the zoo, will be moved to the lake’s shoreline on Friday morning and then lifted upright by cranes, the zoo said.
Once it is lifted, crews will inspect the floating tree for damage.
The zoo said this process will not impact guests.
As for the light tunnel, the zoo said it is still down, but has been moved to the side of the pathway and will be put back up when crews have time.
The Zoo is back open!
For those who have asked, we created a Storm Recovery Fund to assist in restoring the Zoo and helping replace the lost foliage that provided shade for both guests and animals
Please visit https://t.co/abKz14NZnk to learn more. pic.twitter.com/DDbd40VmLO
— Phoenix Zoo (@phoenixzoo) October 17, 2025
The damage from the storm, combined with the three-day closure, cost the zoo about $300,000, according to a press release Wednesday.
The zoo has opened a recovery fund. To donate, click here.
We want to hear from you.
Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.
