Seminole County

Central Florida Zoo still closed due to Hurricane Ian flooding; here’s how you can help

SANFORD, Fla. — The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has been closed for nearly a month now due to flooding caused by Hurricane Ian. Now another local business, also impacted by the storm, is hosting a benefit to help the zoo.

Wekiva Island, which closed for two weeks due to the storm, will donate 10% of sales to the zoo from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. During the event there will also be a raffle and silent auction, with 100% of those proceeds being donated.

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“At Wekiva Island, we love supporting our Seminole County neighbors,” said Carrie Vanderhoef, Wekiva Island manager, who also serves on the board of directors for the Central Florida Zoo. “This is a win-win. We can welcome back all the faces we missed during our closure, and we can give back to the Zoo. We, unfortunately, understand how hard a closure like this hits, and we’re thrilled to contribute.”

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

Zoo officials said its entrance remains underwater due to high water levels in Lake Monroe. Officials said all of the zoo’s animals remain safe and cared for.

The zoo has also launched a hurricane relief fund where people can donate to help the zoo make up for lost revenue over the past month. You can click here to donate.

Read: Central Florida Zoo’s miniature train attraction returns this Fall

Read more about the Wekiva Island benefit event here.

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Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.