ZOO MEDIA CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331  |  Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 14, 2019 – The Louisville Zoo is set to resume normal operations Friday, March 15 following the subsidence event that occurred on March 6, 2019.

The Zoo closed voluntarily out of an abundance of caution immediately following the ground subsidence that occurred in an undeveloped and unoccupied area of the Zoo just above an undeveloped and unoccupied section of the Louisville Mega Cavern in the early morning hours on March 6, 2019.

The subsidence event affected a specific isolated area of the Zoo, which represents less than 1% of the Zoo’s property. The perimeter of the subsidence is well defined. The remainder of the Zoo does not appear to be adversely impacted by this singular subsidence event.

A visual assessment of the Louisville Mega Cavern under the Zoo and a surface visual assessment in the area of subsidence and adjacent areas were performed by consulting engineers. Aerial and foot reconnaissance were performed by Zoo personnel. A copy of the memorandum from Wood Environmental & Infrastructure Solutions is attached for your review.

A physical barrier is being erected on the ground surface of the Zoo, 40 feet from the perimeter (no-access area) of the subsidence area on the west, north and east sides and extending to the Zoo’s property line on the south side. The subsidence area will be secured with guards until the subsidence perimeter fence completion this week. The barrier will stay in place until a permanent solution has been implemented.

The Zoo’s primary concern in the first phase was to dedicate resources to establish safety. Subsequent phases will explore causation and determine next steps for the subsidence.

Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (enjoy until 6 p.m.).

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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