Arizona Wildlife Park Saves All Animals From Flash Flood

Flash floods ripped through 60 acres of Out of Africa Wildlife Park near Camp Verde, Arizona, but the news that mattered most came first: every animal survived.

The late July flooding uprooted trees, buried roads in heavy mud, and destroyed fencing designed to safely contain lions, tigers, and other large animals. Crews have already hauled away more than 40 truckloads of debris carried through the property by rushing water.

"Our highest priority during any severe weather event is the safety of our animals, staff and guests," said Ashton Powell, the park's general manager. "Every animal is safe, but the landscape and critical infrastructure sustained devastating damage."

The flooding hit particularly hard because the park sits on a floodplain where government regulations limit major modifications. A newly installed 660-foot section of specialized welded-steel fencing, funded by a $15,000 grant just weeks earlier, was destroyed and must be completely replaced.

The park reopened with limited access on August 1, though much of the popular Serengeti area remains closed while teams restore animal containment systems and essential access roads. The dirt paths aren't just for guest tours. They're lifelines for daily feed delivery and veterinary care.

The Ripple Effect

What started as a natural disaster has become a community rallying point. The park launched separate recovery campaigns for its nonprofit sanctuary operations and physical infrastructure, giving supporters clear options for where their donations go.

Corporate sponsors can match employee donations or fund specific recovery needs. Individual supporters can choose between helping the park's physical repairs or the sanctuary's animal care mission through its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

Powell says the response has been overwhelming. "We have been deeply moved by the number of people asking how they can help," he said.

With Arizona's monsoon season continuing and El Niño conditions expected to strengthen through the end of 2026, the park isn't just rebuilding what was lost. They're strengthening the entire property against future severe weather, protecting both the animals and the people dedicated to caring for them.