Mystery Monkey's New Home Damaged in Storm

Heavy storms mixed with an already-saturated ground to create a recipe for disaster at Dade City’s Wild Things Sunday night.

A “massively huge oak tree just uprooted like you would see in a hurricane,” taking down four other trees with it, according to Kristy Truax, one of the nonprofit zoo’s directors. When those trees fell, Roy the tiger’s cage was damaged and part of the panther enclosure was “flattened,” Truax said.

She was outside on the 22-acre property checking on some of the zoo’s leopards when the trees fell. Truax quickly called in help and the animals were secured right away.

Then came Monday morning.

“In daylight, it was even worse than we thought,” said Truax.

In addition to the animal enclosures, the storm damaged the concession stand, a big door cooler and other parts of the park.

Now, the zoo is planning a fundraising effort to help it come up with money necessary to make all the repairs. Truax said final estimates aren’t in yet, but the damage is thought to be in the $30,000 to $50,000 range.

A community yard sale is scheduled for Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the zoo’s gift shop. Anyone who wants to help out can donate items for the sale, make cash donations or come out and volunteer on the day of the sale, Truax said. Item donations can also be dropped off at the zoo’s gift shop before the sale or on the day of.

Wild Things is located at 37237 Meridian Ave. in Dade City. The zoo gained national attention when it became the official home of Cornelius, Tampa Bay’s Mystery Monkey, in 2012. The little rhesus macaque eluded capture for years while making headlines throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. His story was featured several times on Comedy Central’s “Colbert Report,” taking the name of the Mystery Monkey of Tampa Bay national.

Cornelius, Truax said, is “doing great.”

The zoo is open despite the damage, but guests are being routed around the worst areas.

For more information about Wild Things, visit its website. To learn more about making a donation, call 352-567-9453. Truax said check donations can be mailed to the zoo at 37237 Meridian Ave., Dade City, FL 33525.

See Also:

• Mystery Monkey Making Move to Dade City
• Vet Receives Threats After Catching Mystery Monkey

Photo Credit: Cornelius, courtesy of Wild Things’ Facebook page