Half of NC Zoo remains closed after last week’s storm damage

ASHEBORO, NC (AP) — North Carolina Zoo officials say it will likely be at least Thursday before the zoo’s Africa Region exhibit can reopen.

The entire zoo near Asheboro suffered major damage last Thursday from high winds and hail from a severe storm. Hundreds of trees and branches were knocked down, fences were damaged and outdoor furniture blown around.

The zoo says no people were injured and no animals hurt or escaped.

The zoo reopened its North America exhibit on Saturday and is only charging half-price admission.

Zoo officials say the Africa Region had more trees and will take more time to clean up. They plan an update on the cleanup efforts on Wednesday.

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