Tampa Zoo Shares Look at How It's Preparing Its Hundreds of Animals for Hurricane Milton
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10/08/2024 02:58 PM
Hurricane Milton is projected to make landfall on Florida's west coast between late Wednesday and early Thursday
BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty
Employees move an African porcupine named Chompers to a pet carrier at ZooTampa.A Florida zoo is closing down in preparation for Hurricane Milton.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park announced on social media that it would close its doors to guests from Tuesday, Oct. 8, through at least Thursday, Oct. 10, due to the storm's "projected impact" on the area.
The zoo said in a statement to PEOPLE that it has been carrying out its "comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan" over the past 24 hours to "ensure the security" of its over 1,000 animals. The plan includes "moving larger animals into their night houses" built to withstand major storms and moving "smaller mammals and birds into ancillary buildings."
Zoo staff has also been working to "secure loose items, stock up on animal diets, trim trees, fuel generators, and other hurricane prep activities," the park said.
Related: Hurricane Milton's Path Threatens to Devastate Florida Days After Helene: Live Updates
The animals will not be left unattended while the zoo is closed for Hurricane Milton, per ZooTampa, as "a ride-out team" made up of "animal care, animal health, safety, maintenance, and horticulture" staff will stay on the premises. This team will care for the animals, monitor life support systems, manage generators, and assess damage following the storm.
BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty
A mother and child orangutan look on before being moved to protected areas at Zoo Tampa ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall.The zoo noted that it "earned a StormReady certification" from the National Weather Service over the summer. The certification entails that Zoo Tampa is equipped "to effectively safeguard its guests, staff, animals, and property during extreme weather events."
The zoo added that the park will reopen to guests once staff members conduct a "thorough safety assessment" and confirm that the zoo is safe for the animals and visitors.
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"Our thoughts are with all of our fellow Florida residents. Please stay safe, everyone!" the zoo shared on social media, adding that any further updates will appear on their social media accounts and website.
Related: Hurricane Milton 'Rapidly Intensifies' into Category 4 Storm as It Approaches Florida's Gulf Coast
BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty
African elephants are seen before being moved to protected areas at ZooTampa ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfallTampa Mayor Jane Castor urged residents to evacuate the area ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall, which is expected to occur late Wednesday, Oct. 9, or early Thursday, Oct. 10, according to the city's website.
In an Oct. 7 interview with CNN, Castor, 63, said, "I can say without any dramatization whatsoever. If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you're going to die."
Tampa is preparing for 10 to 12 feet of storm surge to the Tampa area during Hurricane Milton's landfall.
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