Massive trees toppled, millions in damage reported across Forest Park following storms
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Strong winds stemming from a nearby tornado that moved through the St. Louis area on Friday caused extensive damage in Forest Park and led to the weekend closure of the Saint Louis Zoo.
According to Forest Park Forever, the nonprofit partly responsible for maintaining the park, hundreds of trees were downed or damaged by high winds associated with the storm. Several walking paths remain blocked by debris, and cleanup efforts are ongoing.
“We spend every day making sure the park looks nice for guests, planting trees, trimming trees, and to see that work disassembled in an instant ... it’s jarring,” Dominik Jansky with Forest Park Forever said.
The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado tracked just north of Forest Park during the storm. No injuries were reported in the park, but staff say the damage to landscaping and infrastructure is widespread.
The Saint Louis Zoo was also impacted by the storm. Officials said that around 10,000 guests were on the grounds when tornado warnings were issued Saturday afternoon. Zoo staff directed visitors to shelter in place inside buildings and lower levels of certain structures.
No animals were injured during the incident, however, the Mary Ann Lee Butterfly Dome sustained damage when parts of its structure were broken by falling debris. Some butterflies escaped as a result. Zoo staff, with help from the Missouri Botanical Garden, worked to recover the animals.
“It’s sad we can’t invite our guests in because usually we’d be hearing children and laughter, and now it’s just chainsaws,” Michael Macek, Director of the Saint Louis Zoo, said.
The zoo is closed Sunday, as well, while crews continue clearing debris and inspecting enclosures. Officials estimate the facility lost more than $500,000 in revenue due to the closure and cleanup costs.
Forest Park Forever and city agencies are assessing the full extent of the damage in the park. The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center is closed, as well.
No timeline has been provided on when cleanup will be finished.
“I assume months,” Janksy told First Alert 4.
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