Hurricane Wilma & Zoos

Following Hurricane Wilma, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) summarizes:

. Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park reports significant damage to the veterinary hospital, keeper building and holding areas (eight were destroyed). Twenty-five exhibits were damaged to the degree that animals must be held off-exhibit. Three exhibits are reported "demolished".

. Caribbean Gardens, the Zoo in Naples, reports "being ravaged by Wilma". The zoo hopes to reopen by Christmas.

. Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee, reports many trees down, 30 shelters damaged, one animal lost - a male kudu. Hope to reopen very soon.

. Miami Metrozoo reports more downed trees than with Katrina.

. Mote Marine Aquarium, Sarasota, is open. Summerfield Field Station was flooded by storm surge. The Conch Baby Farm was not flooded, but is closed for clean-up, along with the Field Station.

. Sixteen other AZA members, all in Florida, report being affected by Wilma but without significant damage.