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NAPLESZOO

RECOVERY

by Jack Mulvena, Naples Zoo President
and CEO, and Kelsey Burr, Naples Zoo Marketing Associate
H urricane Irma dealt a serious blow to Naples Zoo –

botanically, structurally, and financially. Most of the
damage was to our beautiful botanicals, including the
destruction of two nearly century-old specimens planted
by Dr. Henry Nehrling, who founded the tropical garden in 1919.
“The damage to the zoo’s garden was overwhelming…limbs,
branches, leaves, water…everywhere. Just when I thought I had seen
the worst damage, I would turn another corner and find more severe
damage,” Danielle Green, Director of Gardens and Grounds, said.
“The hardest loss was the last remaining Royal palm planted by
Dr. Henry Nehrling – the crown was snapped off and it took us days
to locate it. This palm had stood in this garden for nearly 100 years
and weathered many storms in the past, but fell victim to Hurricane
Irma. I think that is one of the hardest things in these situations –
to experience the loss of something in an instant that has stood for
decades. I had hoped that this would never happen under my watch.”
The good news for the garden was that the vast majority of trees
were strong enough to survive because of regular care by certified
arborists and the horticultural staff in the form of nutrition, pest
control, and other preventative care like pruning and structural
shaping to better withstand wind loads.
For the animals, preparation begins each spring when the
hurricane plan is updated for the coming season reflecting the current
animals and exhibits. The structures that house animals like the tigers,
bears, and primates during storms are concrete block with concrete
roofs. In both Irma and Wilma, these buildings suffered no core
damage when trees toppled onto them. With the exception of two
greater kudu antelope lost to Irma, the animals weathered the storm
well.
“Storms can always surprise you no matter how much you
prepare,” explained Liz Harmon, Director of Animal Programs. “I’m
very proud of our team in carrying out the plan and how quickly they
were able to adjust under changing circumstances.”
While the crisis days are fading, the recovery work will continue