Hattiesburg Zoo train tracks compromised after storms. Lights of the Wild will go on

Lici Beveridge, Hattiesburg American
·3 min read

Hattiesburg Zoo's annual Lights of the Wild holiday exhibit will go on despite damage to the zoo's train tracks after a day of heavy rains, wind, and floods.

Roughly 3 inches of rain fell in a brief period Wednesday afternoon, causing flooding throughout the city, including the zoo. The flooding damaged a portion of the zoo's train tracks, zoo officials said Friday. Until repairs are made, it is not safe for the zoo to operate the train.

The train track washout was discovered Thursday during the zoo staff’s post-storm safety assessment.

“We are pleased to report that during Thursday morning’s inspection of the Zoo, our animal care team noted that all animals and their habitats were in good shape,” said Kristen Moore, animal curator.

Gordon’s Creek, which runs adjacent to the Zoo, exceeded its banks, undermining approximately 75 feet of tracks.  The Hattiesburg Convention Commission, which operates the zoo, is working with local governments to develop a plan for repairs.

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About 75 feet of track was compromised after heavy rains caused significant flooding at Hattiesburg Zoo. The train rides are canceled until repairs are made.
About 75 feet of track was compromised after heavy rains caused significant flooding at Hattiesburg Zoo. The train rides are canceled until repairs are made.

A timeframe for reopening was undetermined as of Friday.

"These storms were unprecedented, and Mother Nature proved to be a wrecking force for the Zoo’s train track," Hattiesburg Convention Commission Executive Director Rick Taylor said in an email. “Fortunately, both trains were secured during the storms and did not sustain any damage.”

The majority of the zoo lanterns on display also were secured ahead of the storm.

About 75 feet of track was compromised after heavy rains caused significant flooding at Hattiesburg Zoo. The train rides are canceled until repairs are made.
About 75 feet of track was compromised after heavy rains caused significant flooding at Hattiesburg Zoo. The train rides are canceled until repairs are made.

The zoo remained closed Thursday to allow staff time to clear debris after its safety inspection. Zoo operations resumed Friday.

“We did have a good bit of debris down throughout the Zoo so our staff spent the day Thursday cleaning up,” said Demetric Kelly, director of guest services and retail.  “We did not think opening Thursday was in the best interest of our guests, and our focus needed to be on resetting lanterns and clearing areas so that guests could enjoy our Zoo in the days to come.”

Lights of the Wild lanterns alongside the train route were moved after the storm to allow them to be seen by guests from the pedestrian paths of the zoo, so none will be missed without the train.

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“Though we are disappointed that we will have to operate the Zoo without our train for a period of time, we are thankful our animals are safe and that we didn’t incur any more damage than we did,” Taylor said.

Guests who attend Lights of the Wild will receive a voucher for a complimentary train ride once service is restored. The voucher can be used any time before Nov. 30, 2023.

“We understand that some of our guests at Lights of the Wild will be disappointed that they aren’t able to have their train ride,” Kelly said.

For more information about Hattiesburg Zoo, visit hattiesburgzoo.com.

Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Hattiesburg Zoo train rides halted after heavy rain, flooding