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Work Resumes on Zoo’s African Journey After Fire

All construction crews are back at work building the all-new African Journey at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. A fire at the construction site on November 2 stalled progress in the immediate vicinity of the fire for about three weeks. Work has been ongoing in the areas not affected by the fire.

“Work crews shifted their efforts to other areas of the project during the fire investigation,” said Zoo Director Jim Anderson, “And we are all happy to resume work in the affected area.” The African Journey is still on target to open in the summer of 2009.

The African Journey will display adult African lions for the first time at the zoo, along with hyenas, vultures, zebras, antelope, giraffes, and other African animals. The project is the largest ever undertaken by the zoo and is funded entirely by donations from individuals, foundations, and businesses.

No people or animals were injured in the fire, which was contained to two partially completed buildings at the African Journey construction site. A portion of the artificial rockwork that will hide the buildings from view was also damaged. The precise cause of the fire remains under investigation. The total damage is estimated to surpass $1 million, but is covered by insurance. “We want to assure our generous donors that their money is not being used for the rebuilding effort,” said Anderson.

The zoo is currently closed for the season, but will reopen on April 19, 2008. “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the zoo in the spring,” Anderson said. “We’re already making plans for a great 2008 season.”

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