Great Plains Zoo temporarily closed Wednesday after derecho damage in Sioux Falls

The Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History in Sioux Falls announced a temporary closure via social media Wednesday morning.

Denise DePaolo, director of public relations for the zoo, told the Argus Leader the Great Plains Zoo received widespread damage throughout their facilities, because of Tuesday's derecho, a long-lasting storm system with heavy rain and strong straight-line winds and wind gusts. Although, the damage was widespread, it wasn't severe.

"It’s really minor damage to several places around the zoo," DePaolo said "We have a few trees down and outside exhibits that suffered minor damage."

More Argus911: NWS confirms derecho swept through southeastern South Dakota with winds up to 99 mph.

A tree fall in-between two bear exhibits on the sidewalk, but as of Wednesday morning staff from the zoo and the City of Sioux Falls were working to get it removed. All animals and staff are also safe, DePaolo said.

"The keepers were able to get animals inside before the storm hit, but we did have some exterior damage to cleanup to make sure the zoo is safe for everybody," DePaolo said.

More: Tuesday storm in Sioux Falls 'not even comparable' to May derecho, officials say

There's no exact time on when the zoo will reopen, but an announcement will be made later on social media, DePaolo said.

The Great Plains Zoo is typically open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday throughout the summer.

Got a story idea from your community? Email reporter Alfonzo Galvan at agalvan@argusleader.com or follow him on Twitter @GalvanReports.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Great Plains Zoo closed after derecho damage in Sioux Falls