Associated Press

A critter apparently was to blame for a transformer failure Friday that cut electricity to the Los Angeles Zoo, which stayed open to entertain holiday crowds despite the power outage.

"It is believed that something as small as a lizard or mouse got into the transformer and blew out the system," zoo director Manuel A. Mollinedo said.

The Department of Water and Power transformer on zoo property failed at 1:30 a.m. and it was still being repaired Friday afternoon with no predictions for restoration of electricity.

The zoo's 1,200 animals weren't affected.

"We are having the transformer permanently repaired. We are open to the public but letting patrons know that we are operating without electricity," Mollinedo said.

The indoor koala exhibit had to be closed and snack shop menus were limited, otherwise other zoo attractions were available.

http://www.dailynewslosangeles.com/archives/2000/12/30/new08.asp

-- Doris (nocents@bellsouth.net), December 30, 2000