WATCH: Space Farms Zoo and Museum takes big hit in storm

WANTAGE -- The owners of Space Farms Zoo and Museum were up at 5 a.m. Sunday, inspecting damage from a fast-moving storm on Saturday that toppled trees and damaged buildings but spared their animals. State Assemblyman Parker Space, the zoo's owner,...

WATCH: Space Farms Zoo and Museum takes big hit in storm

WANTAGE -- The owners of Space Farms Zoo and Museum were up at 5 a.m. Sunday, inspecting damage from a fast-moving storm on Saturday that toppled trees and damaged buildings but spared their animals.

State Assemblyman Parker Space, the zoo's owner, pointed out a blacksmith shop, dating to the late 19th Century, that was nearly flattened by the high winds that swept through the region just before sunset Saturday.

Storm damage at Space Farms

"A lot of history was lost last night," said Space, who was joined by his wife, Jill Space.

Other buildings also were damaged and several large trees were toppled at the neighboring Beemerville Cemetery.

Space said he planned to spend Sunday gauging the damage before moving ahead with cleanup and repairs.

He said he expects the zoo to open as scheduled for the season on March 25.

"It's going to take a little while to clean up but we'll get through it," he said.

Space said it was the worst damage at the zoo since a 2014 fire, in which one building was destroyed.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook

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