This is the last week to see your favorite creatures that go bump in the night at Woodland Park Zoo. The zoo’s Night Exhibit closes its doors on Monday, March 1.
(Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo)
Several animals will transfer to other exhibits within the zoo. Currently the north end of the Adaptations Building is closed to make modifications to house the Rodrigues fruit bats (seen above), tamanduas and springhaas that will move there. Construction is also being done for a new meerkats exhibit that brings them back to the zoo after a 10-year absence. Both the meerkat exhibit and Adaptations Building will re-open on May 1.
Closure of the Night Exhibit is due to the need for the zoo to reduce annual expenses by $800,000 to $1 million in order to prevent a budget shortfall. Since the Night Exhibit’s closure date was announced, the community has donated $5,500 to help modify existing areas for the remaining animals and to support their long-term care. Donations are still being accepted online or by mail to the “Nocturnal Animal Fund” at Woodland Park Zoo, 601 N. 59th St, Seattle WA 98103.