As Hurricane Milton looms, the animals at Tampa’s zoo, including African elephants, Caribbean flamingos, and pygmy hippos, will remain on the 70-acre property, even though it falls within a mandatory evacuation zone. Tiffany Burns, senior director of animal programs, explained that while the animals might miss their usual comforts, they will stay put in hurricane-hardened buildings or habitats.
Many of the animals will share shuttered barns or crates scattered throughout the zoo’s fortified structures. Some, like the alligators, will stay in their habitats, largely unaffected by the storm. Burns emphasized that there was no need for trailers to relocate the animals to other facilities. She noted that being in Florida means being prepared for hurricanes and responding based on their severity.
The zoo remained unscathed two weeks ago when Hurricane Helene passed by. To her knowledge, the zoo has never faced a direct hit since its inception in the 1930s. However, forecasters predict that Milton could pass close to Tampa Bay, near the zoo at Lowry Park, north of downtown Tampa.
Tampa Zoo Moves Animals To Safety Before Milton.#HurricanMilton #Hurricane #HurricaneHelene #USA #Florida #RobloxDown #FloridaStorm #LADvsSD #Tampa #nature #TampaBay pic.twitter.com/vhohxaYfjx
— World Insight (@worldinsight_24) October 9, 2024
By Tuesday afternoon, zookeepers had secured all animals. Caribbean flamingos were guided into a trailer via a canvas chute and moved to a barn. Extra hay and water were provided for elephants and giraffes in case debris blocks their barns. A dozen zookeepers, including a veterinarian and maintenance staff, will stay with the animals during the storm. They have generators, fuel, and extra supplies to sustain the zoo if isolated.
Burns noted that each species reacts differently to storms. Macaws, for instance, become agitated and need extra branches to chew. They are placed in a secure room where they can fly freely. Some orangutans hide under blankets, while others continue playing. Baby animals find comfort with their mothers, and owls and armadillos prefer the security of crates.
The Florida Aquarium in Downtown Tampa has relocated its nine African penguins to higher ground ahead of Hurricane #Milton
📹 by @floridaaquarium pic.twitter.com/2wMYXcJnOM
— Max Chesnes (@MaxChesnes) October 8, 2024
Burns praised the resilience of the animals and the dedication of the staff in providing extra care when needed. The aim is to minimize stress for the animals during the storm.
What Other Media Are Saying
- USA Today reports on zoos evacuating animals ahead of Hurricane Milton for safety, emphasizing the proactive measures taken by wildlife facilities to protect their inhabitants.(read more)
- AOL.com reports that Tampa Zoo animals are being moved to safety ahead of Hurricane Milton, highlighting their resilience and the zoo’s preparation strategies to minimize stress, using generators and extra supplies.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Are the ZooTampa animals being evacuated for Hurricane Milton?
No, the animals are staying in hurricane-hardened buildings or habitats at the zoo.
How is ZooTampa preparing for Hurricane Milton?
The zoo has extra supplies, staff, and hurricane-hardened buildings to ensure animal safety.
What happens to the animals during the storm?
Animals are housed in secure locations, such as barns or crates, depending on their needs.
Do the animals at ZooTampa get stressed during hurricanes?
Each species reacts differently; some get agitated, while others find secure spots to feel safe.
Has ZooTampa ever been directly hit by a hurricane?
To Burns’ knowledge, the zoo has never had a direct hit since its inception in the 1930s.