SANFORD, Fla. — The Central Florida Zoo has reopened nearly a month after closing for Hurricane Ian.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Historic flooding from the St. Johns River and Lake Monroe caused significant damage.
Though it’s back to normal operations, the zoo has a long road ahead to financial recovery.
Watch: Health officials warn of increase in flesh-eating bacteria cases following Ian
Zoo officials have estimated the zoo lost more than $17,000 each day it was closed.
On Wednesday, they were finally able to welcome guests back and families were excited.
Lauren Edwards and her 2-year-old daughter Amelia were the first to show up at the zoo when it reopened.
It was closed for four weeks while workers cleaned up the mess Hurricane Ian left behind.
Read: Hurricane Ian’s damage to Florida agriculture as high as $1.8 billion
Ian caused extensive damage around the zoo grounds and water flooded the entrance.
The hardest hit area of the zoo was the Discovery Center, home to educational classrooms and event space.
Floodwaters seeped inside and the building is still closed for repairs.
Read: D-SNAP: New counties added to line-up to apply for food assistance after Hurricane Ian
Zoo leaders are still going over the damage, which is estimated to be around $800,000 to $1 million.
The zoo launched a hurricane relief fund to help make up for lost revenue.
More information on how to donate can be found here.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.