Several of the outlying buildings at Rolling Hills Zoo were destroyed during yesterday’s storm which had winds gusting 80 to 100 mph. All animals safely rode out the storm and are contained in their habitats. The Zoo will be open their normally scheduled hours.
Beginning at 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, staff began clearing the park and the Zoo’s keepers started moving animals into their indoor housing where they remained through the night.
As the afternoon wore on, a storage building adjacent to the maintenance shop on the west end of the property suffered extensive damage along with a small lean-to at the southeast corner of the Zoo which broke free of its foundation and landed on top of a vehicle belonging to a staff member. The zoo experienced additional minor damage around the park, including to trees and several other personal vehicles belonging to staff. Thankfully no staff or animals were injured.
The Zoo will continue to access damages from the storm and the costs associated throughout the day.