The Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester closed early Monday after a tree limb fell on and damaged a habitat and sparked an evacuation of the 200-acre zoo.
According to zoo officials, a tree limb fell onto the baboon habitat around 1 p.m. on Monday, June 8 and damaged the protective netting at the top of the exhibit, which is in the Animals of the Savannah portion of the zoo.
Hold in place
“Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of guests, staff, and animals the zoo immediately implemented emergency safety protocols” including a “hold-in-place order” for the north end of the zoo,” zoo officials said. All other zoo visitors were evacuated.
Shortly after the hold-in-place order was issued, zoo workers escorted the remaining visitors to the exits.
“All guests were evacuated safely,” zoo officials said.
Zoo staff and officials are currently assessing the situation.
Animals did not leave habitats
No animals were outside their habitats and remained contained, according to zoo officials.
Law enforcement were called to the scene to assist with crowd management during the incident.
The Zoo will remain closed for the remainder of the day on Monday.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Seneca Park Zoo closes early after tree limb falls
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
