Roof Of Elmwood Park Zoo Collapses Under Snow

NORRISTOWN, PA -- The roof of an exhibit at the Elmwood Park Zoo collapsed under the weight of the snow on Saturday night, the zoo announced Monday.

The roof over the Birds of Paradise exhibit caved in after well over two feet of snow pummeled the borough through the weekend.

Fortunately, no humans or birds were beneath the roof when it fell, and no animals or people were injured in the incident.

As residents around the area attempted to dig out their cars and make their way around on dangerous roads, zookeepers worked to dig our the structure.

The zoo noted that all of the exhibit’s birds were safely tucked away in their indoor holding, which is part of an adjacent structure.

“All the birds are safe and there was no damage to their indoor heated holding building that is attached,” said David Wood, the zoo’s general curator. “The outdoor exhibit which collapsed is not used by the birds during cold weather and when the birds do have access to this area in warm weather, staff are always with them.”

The zoo noted that support for their Winter Care Appeal, their fundraiser to improve conditions for animals during the cold weather, was hugely helpful. ,

The web page for the Appeal notes winter as a particularly challenging time for both zookeepers and animals, citing past storms.

“Last time we battled our frigid foe, the results were nigh disastrous,” writes Albert J. Zone, the zoo’s executive director and CEO. “With arms bravely drawn, we fought through 200 hours without power, spread nine tons of rock salt on our icy paths, and brawled against six tons of frozen excrement. Though exhausted, we emerged in the spring stronger and eager to grow.”

Images courtesy Elmwood Park Zoo.