Zoo loses 3 animals, suffers tree damage

Stress likely killed toucan-like bird, tree frog and otter.

WEST PALM BEACH — The Palm Beach Zoo lost three animals and suffered “major” tree damage during Hurricane Irma’s blast through South Florida, zoo spokeswoman Naki Carter said Monday.

Storm-related stress was likely what killed a tree frog, a toucan-like bird named Aracari and an otter named Rudder, Carter said, adding that all other animals are accounted for and safe.

A huge ficus tree near the entrance of the zoo was felled by Irma’s winds, drawing gawkers. The zoo has not been able to assess damage, and officials don’t want onlookers to be injured by falling or loose debris, Carter said.

“We’re really concerned about safety,” Carter said.

Like businesses and homes throughout the county, the zoo lost power, and Carter said she has struggled to get the word out about tree damage at the zoo — and the need for people to stay away until damage can be assessed and the safety of visitors assured.

Some onlookers have congregated at the main entrance’s parking lot.

The main entrance of the zoo has been under construction.

“We have put up barriers to stop people from driving through,” Carter said. “We’ve appealed to the city for help to clear debris.”

The animals who survived the storm are faring well, Carter said.

While stress alone was likely the main factor in the death of the tree frog and the bird, the otter was old and had heart disease.

“That, combined with the stress of the storm, and Rudder is no longer with us,” Carter said.

While there was significant tree damage on the zoo campus, Carter said there was no structural damage.

The tree cleanup, however, has just begun.

“It’s going to take us a while to get things done,” Carter said.