The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs is reopening Saturday after a severe hailstorm on Monday caused significant damage, injuries, and even killed some animals. Zoo officials said a fifth animal, a peahen named Katy Perry, died as a result of the storm.
The zoo also lost a peacock, a duck and a vulture, as well as a meerkat pup that is presumed dead. Five animals remain on a watch list for veterinary care and zoo officials said they are all considered "low concern and improving." The most serious case, a Rocky Mountain goat named Twinkie that had an eye injury, has been examined by a Colorado State University veterinary ophthalmology team. The team determined the injury can be treated with medication.
As of Thursday night, the number of undriveable damaged vehicles that remained in the zoo's parking lot was less than 40, down from nearly 400. Cars will be allowed to stay in the lot until 8 a.m. Tuesday, at which time they will be towed to a facility at the owner's expense.
Zoo officials said that with temporary fixes, they expect to be fully operational, including the Sky Ride which has passed a safety inspection. Permanent repairs to the zoo will take months to complete.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo reopens to the general public at 9 a.m. Saturday and will close at the regular time of 5 p.m.
