Prospect Park Zoo will reopen Memorial Day weekend, months after flood damage
The reopening date is Saturday, May 25 — 239 days since the storm filled the zoo’s basements with as much as 25 feet of water, damaging electrical, HVAC and boiler systems. The non-profit operator of the zoo, the Wildlife Conservation Society, said it spent about $6.5 million to reopen the 12-acre space.
But repairs are not complete. The full restoration costs, including protections against future flooding, are projected to be $20 million.“While this reopening of Prospect Park Zoo is a major milestone, we have a long way to go before the zoo is fully restored,” Wildlife Conservation Society Vice President Craig Piper said in a statement. “Throughout our temporary closure, many New Yorkers shared how important this beloved zoo is to the Brooklyn community and to all throughout the city.
None of the zoo’s more than 400 animals, including red pandas, sea lions and tamarin monkeys, were harmed during the storm. In January, President Joe Biden signed a disaster declaration, unlocking federal funding to help with storm repairs around New York, including at the zoo. The Sept. 29 downpour dumped as much as 8.7 inches of rain over a 24-hour period, shutting down subway lines and flooding major thoroughfares and homes. AAt the zoo, much of the repairs have centered on restoring the electrical grid. Workers relocated the primary electrical room from a basement to the ground level.
Visitors to the zoo will notice some new animals: two southern pudu — one of the world’s smallest deer species, which are native to Chile — and a female Hamadryas baboon were born during the zoo’s closure.Ramsey Khalifeh is a general assignment reporter on the NYC Accountability desk covering the city's most powerful institutions and the work they do . He was previously a summer intern on the Day-of desk and also worked at the Boston Globe's metro and copy desk.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Park Ridge police: Woodland Park, North Park graffiti, vehicle stolenThe following items were taken from Park Ridge Police Department reports. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Criminal Damage to Property A witness observed three to four juveniles wa…
Read more »
FLAMER Celebrates 4/20 With Annual Prospect Park PicnicCovering the sh*t you like since 1984.
Read more »
Ostrich at Kansas zoo has died after swallowing keys belonging to zoo employeeThe Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center is mourning the loss of a beloved ostrich who grabbed hold of and swallowed a staff member's key after reaching beyond her exhibit's fence.
Read more »
Karen, the 'vibrant and beloved' ostrich at Topeka Zoo, dies after swallowing zoo staffer's keys'She was not just an animal; she was a beloved member of our community.'
Read more »
'Vibrant and beloved ostrich' dies after swallowing zoo staffer's keys, Kansas zoo saysKaren, a 'vibrant and beloved ostrich' at the Topeka Zoo, died after swallowing keys she nabbed from a staffer, the zoo announced on Facebook last week.
Read more »
Denver Zoo elephant is going to a new zooThe Downtown Aquarium is hosting its annual Sip & Stroll event next Wednesday featuring wine, appetizers, entertainment and more.
Read more »