Phoenix Zoo to close temporarily after storms cause extensive damage

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Phoenix Zoo is being forced to shut its doors after a sudden storm swept through the area on Monday.

Although the zoo sustained significant damage, no animals, guests, staff or volunteers were hurt.

Linda Hardwick with the Phoenix Zoo said all the animals are accounted for, thanks to the quick thinking of the staff to move them into their enclosed night houses.

The storm caused more than a dozen trees to fall down. There is also significant damage to the sidewalks and infrastructure across the zoo.

In addition to flooding and widespread debris, the 50-foot-tall digital floating tree on the zoo’s main lake was knocked over. The ZooLights light tunnel was also damaged.

The zoo will be closed for the next two days to focus on cleanup and restoration efforts.