CALGARY – The Calgary Zoo is again open to the public, after devastating flooding in late June which forced them to close and caused at least $50 million worth of damage.
They swung open their gate at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, after being closed for over a month.
However, visitors won’t be able to access all of the facility because the site is reopening in stages over a five-month period.
So far the north part of the zoo is the only part open to visitors, including the Penguin Plunge, Prehistoric Park and Canadian Wilds – with 162 animals.
“There were tears when the gate opened, people cheered.” says Zoo spokesperson Trish Exton-Parder. “It was really quite heartwarming.”
As many as 40 buildings at the tourist hotspot suffered damage, as well as animal enclosures, and the botanical exhibits.
Among the buildings severely damaged were African Savannah, ENMAX Conservatory, Kitamba Café, commissary/kitchen facilities, concession shops, the Centre for Conservation Research, administrative and security offices, and the zoo’s maintenance shop.
Officials say they also expect to have a $10 million shortfall in revenue during the restoration period.
Comments