Clean-up is continuing Tuesday morning at Dade City’s Wild Things after severe rain over the weekend took down four trees, causing extensive damage to cages and equipment there.
The storms, which hit Aug. 24, caused the trees — including one that was more than a century old — to hit a tiger and panther cage, according to the organization’s Facebook page. Although no one was hurt, zoo officials had to act quickly to secure the animals, and make sure they were safe.
The National Weather Service reported that 1.33 inches of rain fell in the Tampa Bay area Saturday, an inch more than normal. That was followed by another 0.34 inches on Sunday, contributing to saturated conditions that have endured 7 inches more rain than the average, since January.
A lot of the damage was started by a single tree, zoo officials said on Facebook. That tree was so large, it took down three other trees with it. That destroyed a concession stand and drink cooler, and heavily damaged cages that were home to panther Sasha and tiger Roy.
“We knew it was bad last night,” the zoo said on Facebook. “But seeing it completely this morning, it is very disheartening to see all our work destroyed and having to start over.”
Rebuilding will have to begin immediately, and the zoo is currently accepting donations to help with cleanup efforts. For more information on how to help, call (813) 714-2555, or visit DadeCitysWildThings.com.
Dade City’s Wild Things is located on 22 acres just off Meridian Avenue in Dade City. It operates in conjunction with Stearns Zoological Rescue & Rehab Center Inc.
