GATE CITY, Va. (WJHL) — The Creation Kingdom Zoo announced on Friday that it will not reopen following significant damage from Hurricane Helene and a devastating November fire that killed several animals. The zoo had been open for 17 years.

Although the zoo will not reopen, it will continue to work with animals in other ways. The zoo briefly mentioned on social media Friday that it plans to engage in two new initiatives.

First, continue conservation efforts outside Virginia privately for a portion of our animals- for nearly 10 yrs prior to opening to the public, we worked to ensure species survival for generations to come and we will continue those efforts moving forward. Secondly, we are also excited to announce we have partnered with Expedition Untamed in Kingsport, TN to bring an indoor rainforest adventure for families to continue learning about the amazing animals and ecosystems we share the planet with.

Creation Kingdom Zoo social media post

Creation Kingdom thanked every guest, classroom and church for supporting the zoo and its wildlife.

Your kind words, smiles and laughter have been the fuel that enabled us to help keep some critical endangered species around for at least one more generation. Your generous donations will continue to ensure the Creators Hand in this masterpiece we call Earth is known.

Creation Kingdom Zoo social media post

The zoo also thanked local politicians for fighting threatening legislation regarding conservation and animal welfare. Click here to read Creation Kingdom’s entire social media post about its closure.