JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Zoo remains open Monday after Hurricane Matthew, despite losing power, and even some of their animals.
Dan Maloney, deputy director of animal care and conservation, said a few demon fish were lost in the storm due to interruptions in life support because of power loss.
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Maloney said they continue to evaluate the animal quarters, hoping not to find any more animals who didn't make it through the storm.
No flooding was reported at the zoo, which Maloney said was good news, considering the southwest corner of the zoo is near the St. Johns River.
Power went out at the zoo Friday evening during the storm and was back on sometime early Sunday afternoon.
Maloney said trees are down, but fortunately none in the area of where animals were staying.
He said they are always well prepared before a storm and learn something from each one.
"We are fortunate that things weren't any worse," Maloney said. "We had crews here working before and during the storm and continue to assess each animal's situation to make sure they are all safe."
About 10 miles north of the Jacksonville Zoo, at the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, they're dealing with more severe damage.
Executive director Curt LoGiudice said their entry tent, which is vital to their public operations, was destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.
"This tent is where all of our visitors begin their tour, our field trips are held, and also serves as our gift shop," LoGiudice said.
He said the tent also serves as their retail area.
The wildlife sanctuary is a nonprofit organization that houses exotic big cats like lions, tigers, jaguars and more, that can't survive on their own in the wild for various reasons.
The ranch set up a GoFundMe account and has already reached nearly $5,000 of their $15,000 goal.
LoGiudice said funds raised will be used for property repairs and the new welcome center. All donations are tax-deductible.
He said their small animals were taken indoors and their big cats rode out the storm safely in their enclosures.
"We are fortunate that all of our enclosures held up and sustained no major injuries," LoGiudice said.
He said many of the animals even enjoyed the storm, seeming happy and playful during and after.
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