Popcorn Park Animal Refuge seeks help in repairing blizzard damage
Critical infrastructure, such as habitats and fencing were left damaged, as staff were able to keep animals safe throughout the winter storm.
More Stories
The Popcorn Park Animal Refuge in Forked River is asking for the community’s help after sustaining significant damage from the recent blizzard.
The refuge, which is home to more than 200 animals, says several large tree branches and damaged trees came down across the property during the storm. Some of those trees damaged the fencing around the animal enclosures.
Because of the damage, the refuge has been closed for more than a week while cleanup and repairs are underway. The refuge says the closure has added financial strain during an already difficult winter.
“We’ve been closed for over a week now, and it’s been a very hard winter for us," said Cory Scott, director of the refuge. "It’s been very cold, very snowy. So we have spent a lot of time closed over the last month, which has impacted our ticket sales."
RELATED: Road Trip: Popcorn Park Zoo and Refuge
The refuge is now seeking donations to help cover the cost of bringing in a tree company to remove debris and repair the damaged fencing.
"We’re seeking donations to help with the cleanup, and we’re going to have to have a tree company come in to help remove all of these tree branches, and then we’re going to be repairing those fences that are just going to cost us some money," Scott said.
Officials hope to complete cleanup by the end of the week and reopen to visitors soon.
