Jackson Zoo closed Friday due to damages caused by severe weather

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - The Jackson Zoo will be closed to the public on Friday, April 19, due to damages on zoo grounds caused by Thursday’s severe weather.

"Everyone is ok, although a few animals had to be moved into other areas in the park for safety," said Interim Director David L. Wetzel. "We have some trees and a power line down, which means we can't have guests, but we already have the clean up process in motion."

The Jackson Zoo animal care staff worked throughout Thursday to get the animals prepared for possible severe weather and then stayed throughout the storm and into the evening to monitor the animals’ and exhibits’ conditions.

Wetzel says he has contacted the City of Jackson Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments for assistance in restoring power and cleaning up fallen debris. The amount of time needed for clean-up will depend on weather conditions Friday, but Wetzel expects that the park will reopen on Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.

Due to lack of power and internet, the staff is unable to contact the schools that had arranged for field trips on Friday morning. All trips can be rescheduled at a later date.

Until park communications are restored, questions can be directed to RiversEJ@aol.com.

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