SANFORD, Fla. — The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has been closed for nearly a month now due to flooding caused by Hurricane Ian. Now another local business, also impacted by the storm, is hosting a benefit to help the zoo.
Wekiva Island, which closed for two weeks due to the storm, will donate 10% of sales to the zoo from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. During the event there will also be a raffle and silent auction, with 100% of those proceeds being donated.
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“At Wekiva Island, we love supporting our Seminole County neighbors,” said Carrie Vanderhoef, Wekiva Island manager, who also serves on the board of directors for the Central Florida Zoo. “This is a win-win. We can welcome back all the faces we missed during our closure, and we can give back to the Zoo. We, unfortunately, understand how hard a closure like this hits, and we’re thrilled to contribute.”
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Zoo officials said its entrance remains underwater due to high water levels in Lake Monroe. Officials said all of the zoo’s animals remain safe and cared for.
The zoo has also launched a hurricane relief fund where people can donate to help the zoo make up for lost revenue over the past month. You can click here to donate.
Read: Central Florida Zoo’s miniature train attraction returns this Fall
Read more about the Wekiva Island benefit event here.
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