Ice Storm 2012
Northwest Trek suffers severe storm damage
Park will reopen February 17
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park experienced severe damage from the January 19th ice storm and will be closed for several weeks for extensive clean up and repairs. Officials hope to reopen the park in time for Presidents’ Day weekend.
“It looks like a battle zone out there now, with downed trees, damaged exhibits and plant debris strewn everywhere,” said Dave Ellis, Northwest Trek’s deputy director. “It’s the worst storm damage I’ve seen in over 25 years,” he said. Heavy snowfall, ice and high winds caused thousands of large branches to crash down on exhibits, viewing pavilions, fencing and pathways.
The wolf, cat, raptor and bear exhibits were severely damaged as were nearly four miles of fencing surrounding the park’s 435-acre free-roaming area. Heavy rain and high winds further exacerbated the damage and limited the ability of staff to make much needed repairs.
Ellis praised the staff for working tirelessly during and after the storm to secure the animal areas and ensure that all of the park’s animals were safe and accounted for.
“Thankfully, no animals or staff were hurt,” he said. In addition, the park’s aggressive removal of hazardous trees over the last four years reduced the number of large uprooted trees seen in previous storms, he said.
Cleaning up and preparing the park to reopen to the public is projected to cost close to $200,000, according to officials. Members of the public can make an online donation to help with the cleanup costs
The News Tribune/Olympian
Northwest Trek closed to repair extensive damage
KIRO TV
Storm takes toll on Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Associated Press/KING 5 TV Photos
Storm damage forces Northwest Trek to temporarily close
KOMO Radio (raw taped interview)
Storms damage popular animal park
KOMO TV online community news
Beaver helps out with storm damage at Northwest Trek
