The wild animal park in Georgia has begun to rebuild after losing 5 animals to a tornado last week.
One week ago on Sunday, Wild Animal Safari Pine Mountain in Troup County was partially destroyed by a tornado.
Tornado vs. 550 Animals
The director of the zoo Katie Harrison reported that numerous trees were snapped off during the storm. Nearly all of the park's animal enclosures were harmed or destroyed.
Two tigers broke out of their pen. Harrison claimed that despite the administration's warnings to be cautious, people did not heed them. They were sedated securely. On Sunday, they were all reunited in their repaired enclosure.
Five animals perished in the storm, according to Harrison.
Harrison remarked that this was the first time she could discuss it without crying. It's not simple, but in the grand scheme of things, 550 animals are up against a massive tornado, and it was terrible.
While the animals' exhibits are being repaired, some of the animals had to be relocated to other zoos.
Harrison claimed that the cleanup's noise had complicated matters and that some animals might find the machinery upsetting and loud.
Additionally, the park is closed at a critical time for business.
Lisa Brady claimed that the park was expecting a big spring break.
Brady predicts a $750,000 revenue loss for the park or 10% of their annual revenue.
After being struck by numerous tornadoes on March 26 that resulted in 26 fatalities, Georgia was declared under a state of emergency, NBC News reports.
Also Read: New Jersey, Delaware on 2-Day Outlook for Tornadic Thunderstorms
Rebuilding the Wild Animal Park in Georgia
Brady said that because of how well-prepared Harrison and the team had been for spring break, it was especially heartbreaking. A lot of improvements were being made at Georgia's Wild Animal Safari Pine Mountain, including several new enclosures.
Harrison anticipates reopening the park's driving area this month.
Workers anticipate that the walking portion will reopen in June in sections, WSB-TV reports.
The Drive-Thru Safari, Animal Encounters, and Walkabout Adventure Zoo are the three different activity categories available at the zoo.
Visitors to the Drive-Thru Safari can travel a 3.5-mile trail while viewing a variety of animals. Some of them might even approach the tourists, who can travel in the convenience of their own vehicles, safari rental vehicles, or a thrilling guided bus tour.
Visitors can interact with some of the park's most well-known animals during Animal Encounters and ask the zookeepers as many questions as they want.
In a zoo-like setting, visitors can interact with the animals at the Walkabout Adventure Zoo. The resident African lions, Bengal tigers, peacocks, exotic birds, monkeys, lemurs, and many other animals are all available for visitors to interact with at the zoo.
The Wild Animal Safari Pine Mountain says that until they have fully evaluated the damage caused by the tornado, they will not be selling any tickets for the Pine Mountain location.
Related Article: Severe Weather Hits Illinois with Double Dose of Storms, High Risk of Tornadoes, Hail, Damaging Winds