Central Florida Zoo reopens after suffering damage, flooding from Hurricane Ian

SANFORD, Fla. — The Central Florida Zoo has reopened nearly a month after closing for Hurricane Ian.

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Historic flooding from the St. Johns River and Lake Monroe caused significant damage.

Though it’s back to normal operations, the zoo has a long road ahead to financial recovery.

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Zoo officials have estimated the zoo lost more than $17,000 each day it was closed.

On Wednesday, they were finally able to welcome guests back and families were excited.

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Lauren Edwards and her 2-year-old daughter Amelia were the first to show up at the zoo when it reopened.

It was closed for four weeks while workers cleaned up the mess Hurricane Ian left behind.

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Ian caused extensive damage around the zoo grounds and water flooded the entrance.

The hardest hit area of the zoo was the Discovery Center, home to educational classrooms and event space.

Floodwaters seeped inside and the building is still closed for repairs.

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Zoo leaders are still going over the damage, which is estimated to be around $800,000 to $1 million.

The zoo launched a hurricane relief fund to help make up for lost revenue.

More information on how to donate can be found here.

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