CAMP VERDE, AZ — Out of Africa Wildlife Park aims to reopen Saturday after flash flooding and repeated monsoon storms forced the attraction into its longest closure since moving to the Verde Valley more than two decades ago.
On July 20, flash flooding damaged roads throughout the park and made the popular Predator Zip Line unusable. Additional storms the following day added mud, sludge and debris, leaving crews with days of cleaning work.
The sanctuary made the announcement last week following recent storms, saying they will be closed "until further notice."
"We are sorry, this situation is beyond anything we have seen or have the ability to control," their Facebook post said.
On Wednesday morning, the sanctuary said all animals are "accounted for, contained and unharmed," but there is extensive damage to the property.
"Our small team is tirelessly working to repair the damage but this is heavy manual labor, debris and mud removal working in difficult conditions," an update online read. "We will need to purchase more concrete, steel and fencing and if anyone is able to make a donation for materials, please consider donating."
Despite the damage, park officials said none of the animals were injured or otherwise affected by the storms.
General Manager Ashton Powell said protecting the animals has remained the park’s top priority during the cleanup. Staff members have avoided bringing in large pieces of heavy equipment that could disrupt or frighten the exotic animals.
“That’s the most important thing for us, that their home [is] most comfortable,” Powell said. “Bringing in lots of other machinery, it would be quite devastating for them.”
The park is planning to reopen Saturday, although some attractions or areas could remain unavailable as cleanup and repairs continue.
Powell said the closure is the longest in the park’s history since Out of Africa relocated from Fountain Hills to the Verde Valley in 2004.
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