Seminole County

Central Florida Zoo to reopen weeks after Hurricane Ian flooding forced closure

By James Tutten, WFTV.com

Central Florida Zoo to reopen weeks after Hurricane Ian flooding forced closure

By James Tutten, WFTV.com

SANFORD, Fla. — Nearly a month after Hurricane Ian forced its closure, the Central Florida Zoo is set to reopen on Wednesday.

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Officials said the zoo will resume normal operations starting at 9 a.m.

Historic flooding has plagued the area since Ian, with the water flooding the entrance to the zoo.

Read: Over $1 billion in federal funding put towards Hurricane Ian recovery

Officials said the zoo closed on Sept. 28 to prepare for Hurricane Ian and remained closed afterward for cleanup.

Post-storm flooding from the St. Johns River and Lake Monroe caused the zoo’s only entrance road to become impassable.

Zoo officials worked throughout the closure to help the attraction weather being closed to the public.

Watch: Central Florida Zoo unveils new habitat for tortoises

“A month ago, we never imagined we’d be in this situation,” said Cedntral Florida Zoo CEO Richard E. Glover Jr. “I am incredibly thankful for our team and community for all they’ve done to help us get to this point, and we can’t wait to see our guests again. A special thanks goes out to Seminole County, SunRail, and Wharton-Smith Inc. for their help during this time. Even so, there’s a long road ahead of us before we can say we’ve fully recovered from the effects of this devastating storm.”

Officials said the zoo’s animal care team kept all of the animals safe throughout the closure.

Watch: 3 Mexican spider monkeys rescued from pet trade, find home in Central Florida

The bear exhibit and boardwalk will also remain closed for cleanup and repairs temporarily, officials said. Nearly all other exhibits and attractions will be open.

More information on how to donate to help the Central Florida Zoo with recovery efforts can be found here.

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