Zoo Miami closed its doors to the public Monday because of high levels of flooding at the park from record rainfall over the weekend.
Zoo Miami spokesman Ron Magill said some public walkways were under water.
"In addition, because many of the zoo exhibits use moats as barriers between the animals and visitors, those exhibits cannot be opened," Magill said in a statement. "For potentially dangerous animals such as carnivores and primates, the high water levels create a bridge that the animals could possibly swim across which presents an obvious danger and concern."
According to Magill, the high water levels also pose a drowning threat to certain animals such as antelope and other hoofstock.
Employees are expected to work throughout the day to try to bring the water levels down, however Magill said it would be difficult as more rain is forecast throughout the day.
video crops
"I've been here for 36 years working for the zoo and I have never even seen something close to this in November and December," Magill said. "These weather patterns have changed dramatically. This rain is historic as far as the zoo is concerned."
About 3,000 animals call Zoo Miami home. Most have been moved to elevated areas, where they will remain until their exhibits dry out.
The zoo will remain closed to the public until water levels at the park recede to the point where employees feel it does not pose any further safety threat to the animals or guests. Zoo officials said it's unlikely that the park will reopen Tuesday.
Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10
slideshow
