The Phoenix Zoo is finally re-opening its doors Friday after extending its closure following Monday’s destructive microburst.
That storm downed trees and left mud and debris in its wake.
A spokesperson says the Mexican wolf habitat is still blocked off, but other areas are open and accessible.
The damage is estimated to have cost $300,000, which includes loss of revenue during the closure. The zoo is asking for donations to its recovery fund.
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In Tempe, a microburst and thunderstorm on Oct. 13, 2025, dropped about a half-inch of rain within 10 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.
Ryan Glazar/KJZZ
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Damage from a microburst in Tempe on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.
City of Tempe
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In Tempe, a microburst and thunderstorm on Oct. 13, 2025, dropped about a half-inch of rain within 10 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.
Ryan Glazar/KJZZ
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Storm damage on University Drive in Tempe on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.
Emily Mai/KJZZ
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In Tempe, a microburst and thunderstorm on Oct. 13, 2025, dropped about a half-inch of rain within 10 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.
Ryan Glazar/KJZZ
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— tempe-microburst-storm-RG-20251013 (2).jpeg
In Tempe, a microburst and thunderstorm on Oct. 13, 2025, dropped about a half-inch of rain within 10 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.
Ryan Glazar/KJZZ
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— tempe-microburst-storm-RG-20251013 (8).jpeg
In Tempe, a microburst and thunderstorm on Oct. 13, 2025, dropped about a half-inch of rain within 10 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.
Ryan Glazar/KJZZ
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Damage from a microburst in Tempe on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.
City of Tempe
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In Tempe, a microburst and thunderstorm on Oct. 13, 2025, dropped about a half-inch of rain within 10 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.
Ryan Glazar/KJZZ
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— tempe-microburst-storm-RG-20251013 (4).jpeg
In Tempe, a microburst and thunderstorm on Oct. 13, 2025, dropped about a half-inch of rain within 10 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.
Ryan Glazar/KJZZ
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Flooding in Tempe on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.
Matthew Casey/KJZZ
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Damage at the Phoenix Zoo after a microburst on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.
Phoenix Zoo
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Damage at the Phoenix Zoo after a microburst on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.
Phoenix Zoo
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Damage at the Phoenix Zoo after a microburst on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.
Phoenix Zoo
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Damage at the Phoenix Zoo after a microburst on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.
Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo statement
The Mexican wolf habitat pathway is still blocked off as the concrete needs to be replaced. This is a small portion on a dead-end pathway of the Arizona Trail, but all other areas of the trail are open and accessible.
ZooLights 50-foot-tall tree is being maneuvered to the shoreline this morning and then cranes will upright it, lifting it to shore to assess damage. This does not impact guests.
More Arizona weather news
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Parts of Arizona are starting to see temperatures dip, but with the federal government shutdown, home heating assistance money is not available. -
A Phoenix business plans to repurpose trees knocked down by the recent Tempe microburst. Wine Glass Bar Sawmill says these trees will be converted into usable wood and potentially furniture. -
Tempe now estimates that more than 1,000 homes and 83 businesses were damaged by the Oct. 13 microburst. But officials still don’t know how many people were displaced by the storm two weeks ago. -
In the aftermath of several storms, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has declared a state of emergency for Gila and Maricopa counties — and amended a previous emergency declaration to include Mohave County. -
Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton and Tempe Mayor Corey Woods are asking Tempe residents to fill out damage forms after Monday’s destructive microburst. They say the forms could help the city secure federal aid.
