31 Animals Displaced, Exhibits Crushed At Elmwood Zoo

NORRISTOWN, PA — Tropical Storm Isaias hit Elmwood Zoo in Norristown particularly hard, displacing dozens of animals and destroying several exhibits and floodwaters and destructive winds whipped through the grounds.

During the height of the storm Tuesday, as the Schuylkill River raged to historic high crests nearby, zoo staff had to move 31 different animals from their exhibits to temporary new homes keep them safe and dry. Animals moved included an alligator, otters, porcupines, maras, birds, and others.

The storm response involved sandbags being laid out, offices evacuated and important items saved, and vehicles moved to higher ground out of the path of the flooding.

"Meanwhile, every single animal continued to receive fresh water, their daily diets, and enrichment items to distract and calm them from the storm," the zoo said.

>>Elmwood Zoo Animals Moved To Safety Amid Storm's Destruction

Fallen trees that crushed exhibits were removed by hand, the zoo said, and logs and branches were moved through the water away from exhibits in order to prevent additional harm, as waters continued to rise.

No animals or staff members were injured during the storm, the zoo confirmed.

Photos and videos from the zoo Tuesday showed water rushing through the heart of the property, giving an overview of some of the damage.

The zoo said that donations to their Champion Fund would be crucial to help rebuild the damaged exhibits and help animals. To donate and learn more, see here.