CALGARY- It’s been a long three months since the June flood devastated the Calgary Zoo, but things are finally starting to return to normal.
Four lions were among the many animals that had to be relocated due to the rising waters, and were staying in an area normally used for winter holding. They’re now back at the Destination Africa exhibit, enjoying the cool grass and heated rocks.
Zoo officials say it’s a huge step forward in the rebuilding process.
“There are still a few species to go back. The flamingos that are normally seen in the middle of the zoo wouldn’t do so well with all the construction going on, so we have to wait for that,” explains spokesperson Trish Exton-Parder. “We’re waiting for our mackacks to go back and a few other species in our savannah building, so we’re getting there but it’s been really exciting to say that another species has gone back, and repairs and rebuild is continuing.”
The zoo hopes to fully reopen by the beginning of December.
“That’s not that far away, so we are busily looking at plans for that and hoping to have a huge welcome back to all of our visitors when we can open the zoo in its entirety,” Exton-Parder adds. “On July 31st we opened the north part of the zoo, so people have been supporting us ever since then.”
Since the zoo island is still closed to visitors, guests won’t be able to see the lions just yet.
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