Oakland Zoo to reopen on Friday, Glowfari event extended
OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland Zoo officials announced the zoo will reopen to the public Friday, February 3. In addition, the Glowfari attraction will be extended through March 4.
The zoo closed as a result of a sinkhole earlier this month when the series of atmospheric rivers wreaked havoc throughout the Bay Area. The zoo was not spared as nearby roadways collapsed. A sinkhole near the zoo's entrance measured 10 by 10 feet.
The weather-related damage closed the zoo for several weeks. Officials said that the animals at the zoo were safe during the assessment of property damage.
"They're trying to repair this incredible damage at the front entrance. The storm damage that took the entire zoo; trees that were falling, drains that were overflowing and more importantly, not being open to the public," said Nik Dehajia, CEO of the Oakland Zoo. He said he hoped the city would be applying for federal funding from FEMA.
"I'm sure the animals are going to love having our visitors back again. Some of our species miss that interaction with the public," Dehajia said.
Zoo officials on Monday said tickets to Glowfari event nights are now on sale. For those planning to attend, tickets for regular daytime admission will be available starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
SEE ALSO: Oakland Zoo's Glowfari event canceled due to power outage