Phoenix Zoo to reopen on Saturday as crews clean up after Thursday monsoon storm

PHOENIX (AP) - The Phoenix Zoo is set to reopen on Saturday, after cleanup efforts following a powerful monsoon storm that left uprooted trees, destroyed tents and flooded trails in its wake.

Zoo spokeswoman Linda Hardwick says all the animals are safe and accounted for and that no animal habitats or other permanent structures were damaged during the storm that hit metro Phoenix late Thursday afternoon with lightning, strong winds and driving rain.

The storm flooded streets, delayed flights and temporarily knocked out power to thousands of people in the metro area.

Crews at the zoo are using chain saws to cut up downed trees that will be removed by heavy equipment.