Problems With Iconic Sacramento Zoo Roof Shut Down Building

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Part of the Sacramento Zoo has been shut down due to dangerous conditions.

It's the first thing many people notice when walking up to the entrance of the Sacramento Zoo—a roof that looks right out of the Space Age.

"These are hyperbolic paraboloids and as you can see they've got this angle that goes up in the front," Tonja Candelaria said.

It's a rare architectural style for the Sacramento region that houses classroom space for the zoo's educational programs.

But now the structure built in 1961 is showing signs of old age, and the zoo says the building is too dangerous to occupy. There's dry rot in the wooden beams and structural bowing raising concerns that roof could cave in.

Many zoo patrons hope the odd-looking building can be preserved.

"I think it should be saved because it add character to the zoo," said Hanah Walls.

Candelaria says it will cost about $30,000 to install temporary steel beams to support the structure and make it safe to use.

"For right now we're just trying to get it so we can open the door and go inside," she said.

Long-term plans are to preserve it for future generations.

"This is definitely one of those things that a lot of people remember from their times in their childhood visiting the Sacramento Zoo," she said.

The zoo will celebrate its 90th anniversary next year.