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Safari partially reopens after tornado damage sets tiger, liger loose
Pine Mountain's Wild Animal Safari reopened partially Saturday. It seemed to be a sign of recovery for the Troup County community that's still grappling with the aftermath of a devastating EF-3 tornado. Back on March 31, a tiger and liger broke free from their habitat when the storm breached their enclosure. The animals were recovered. Parts of the zoo are still under repair.
PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga. - Three weeks after a devastating EF-3 tornado swept through parts of West Georgia, the Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain reopened its drive-through safari experience on Saturday.
The reopening of the park was a sign of recovery in the community, which has been grappling with the aftermath of the tornado.
"They’ve done a wonderful job, considering the damage that was done." Sandra Everingham, a LaGrange resident whose grandson is a safari tour guide, said.
In late March the storm sent trees crashing down onto a fence for two large cats, causing them to briefly escape.
‘WORST NIGHT’: TIGER AND LIGER ESCAPE DURING TORNADO
Up the road, homes with blue tarps covering roofs and toppled trees showed the fury of the storm.
According to Gov. Brian Kemp, between 25 and 30 homes were completely destroyed with at least 100 more suffering damage.
"It’s definitely a beautiful thing to have the community come back together to help rebuild," Jasmine Williams, a West Point resident, added.
The park still has a lot of work ahead of it, with two more phases of rebuilding to go.
However, the reopening of the park is a much-needed sign of hope for the community.
"I think it’s a good thing for families, or even just people. To come and spend a day," said Sandra Everingham. The Wild Animal Safari's reopening is a small step towards recovery for the community, which has been through a wild few weeks.