SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — A powerful macroburst that tore through Forest Park over the weekend inflicted severe damage on The Zoo in Forest Park, officials said, leaving animal enclosures crushed, mature oaks uprooted and a popular community attraction temporarily closed while repairs and safety checks are carried out.
Extent of the damage and animal safety
Zoo leadership said the storm struck directly and left some areas of the small, seasonal facility in disarray. Teams of keepers and veterinarians confirmed that the animals housed at the zoo were safe and unharmed, but many of their enclosures were either damaged or rendered inaccessible as cleanup continued.
"It was overwhelming. It was really overwhelming,"
The comment came from Sarah Tsitso, executive director of The Zoo in Forest Park, who described the scene as staff began assessing how to restore habitats and infrastructure. Staff reported dozens of large tree limbs and several 50-year-old oak trees ripped from their roots, some that fell directly onto animal habitats.
Operational and financial impact
The Zoo in Forest Park operates as a nonprofit and opens seasonally, relying heavily on admission revenue during its short operating months. Tsitso said the closure is already producing a substantial financial strain. The zoo estimated it loses about $35,000 per week in revenue while gates remain closed.
In addition to revenue losses, the facility faces costs tied to repairing or rebuilding enclosures, removing fallen trees, replacing damaged fences and pathways, and ensuring public areas meet safety standards before reopening. Staff emphasized that animal care continues uninterrupted and that feeding, cleaning and medical needs remain priorities despite the site being closed to visitors.
Animals, temporary moves and daily care
The zoo serves as a sanctuary for more than 220 rescue and rehabilitation animals. Many of those animals were moved to alternate areas within the property to secure them while crews cleared debris and evaluated structures. The staff described a coordinated effort to minimize stress to animals during relocation and to maintain regular care routines.
- More than 220 animals sheltered at the zoo
- Several enclosures crushed or blocked by fallen trees
- Multiple 50-year-old oak trees uprooted
- Estimated revenue loss: $35,000 per week during closure
Zoo staff and volunteers are balancing recovery work with continuing animal husbandry. That means daily tasks — feeding, cleaning, behavioral enrichment and veterinary checks — continue despite the broader cleanup and reconstruction efforts.
Community response and next steps
Tsitso and other zoo officials said community members have already begun offering assistance, from donations to manpower for cleanup. The outpouring of support has been an important source of morale for staff facing a daunting recovery timeline and budget shortfalls.
Before reopening, the zoo must complete structural repairs, clear hazards from visitor paths, and ensure enclosures meet safety and animal welfare standards. Officials did not provide a firm timeline for reopening, saying assessments and repair planning were underway.
| Item | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Animals at zoo | 220+ |
| Estimated weekly revenue lost | $35,000 |
| Age of major uprooted trees | About 50 years |
Public safety and visitor guidance
The zoo remains closed to the public while damage assessments and repairs proceed. Officials urged people not to attempt to enter the property for any reason, citing ongoing hazards from unstable trees, debris and damaged fencing. The closure also affects scheduled group visits and educational programs that typically run during the zoo’s season.
Residents interested in helping were encouraged to contact the zoo through its official channels to learn about approved volunteer opportunities and financial donation options. Those offers, officials said, have been helpful in coordinating a safe and effective cleanup.
As Springfield officials and zoo staff quantify the damage and set a repair plan, the priority remains the animals’ welfare and ensuring the site is safe for both the public and the staff who care for the collections. The event underscores how severe localized weather — including macrobursts — can quickly disrupt small cultural institutions that serve communities in the region.
WE NEWS will continue to follow the recovery and provide updates on outreach, volunteer efforts and any announced reopening timeline.
