Phoenix Zoo plans to reopen Friday after multiple day closure due to storm damage

PHOENIX — Rolling thunderstorms in the Valley caused serious damage to the Phoenix Zoo on Monday, forcing the zoo to close for multiple days.

More than a dozen trees were knocked over, debris was scattered throughout the zoo and many areas were flooded, according to a release.

The zoo will be closed through Thursday as cleanup and restoration efforts take place, but it plans to reopen on Friday.

What was damaged at the Phoenix Zoo?

No animals were injured during the storm, but multiple structures sustained damage.

Storm damage at the zoo included a 50-foot-tall floating tree, which is used for the holiday ZooLights event, falling into the zoo’s lake, damage to the ZooLights light tunnel, fallen trees and more.

Since the closure of the zoo on Monday, crews have removed all debris, including leaf litter and mud, from pathways and removed most downed trees.

However, the removal of large trees that necessitated the use of an outside contractor is still underway, the ZooLights tunnel is still down and the floating tree is still toppled over in the lake.

The zoo added that crews are scheduled to come on Friday to begin lifting the tree out of the water and that a large hole in the ramada at the Giraffe Encounter is being filled, but more work will be needed to fully repair the ramada.

All-in-all, the zoo estimates that the damage from the storm, combined with a three-day closure, cost about $300,000.

The zoo has opened a recovery fund. To donate, click here.

We may be busy cleaning up the Zoo, but we wanted to share some Chutti zoomies to brighten up your day 😁

Thank you to volunteer, Dave, for sharing this video from this past weekend! pic.twitter.com/Hm8eUAIzIE

— Phoenix Zoo (@phoenixzoo) October 15, 2025

Zookeepers credited for keeping animals safe

All of the animals were taken to their night houses during the storm by the staff of zookeepers.

The structures held strong and the well-being of all the animals was ensured.

Zookeepers will turn their efforts toward making sure the zoo is in shape to serve visitors safely in the coming days.

This is an updated version of a story originally published Oct. 13, 2025. 

Related

Tempe mayor signs state of emergency, wants federal aid for locals impacted by storm damageTempe mayor calls Monday microburst the worst storm he's seen in over 22 yearsTempe sets up temporary emergency shelter after microburst causes severe storm damageLatest round of heavy rain brought new floods to Globe area, mayor asks for help“Today” show host Savannah Guthrie begs for “someone to come forward” in her mother’s disappearanceGreat Wolf Lodge looks to expand resort with additional tower