09 September, 2017
Zookeepers rounded up the birds to protect them from the effects of Hurricane Georges. This was not the first time the zoo had to corral flamingos in a restroom. Anything that could go wrong, will.
The statement added more unsafe will be placed in secure night houses made of concrete and that this isn't first time the animals have had to brace for a hurricane, with Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Floyd both having hit the area.
Or, you could ask the zoo personnel across the coast who've been running emergency drills since the start of hurricane season.
According to NPR, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which represents more than 230 animal care facilities in the US and overseas, requires all of its members to practice an annual disaster preparedness drill to keep their accreditation.
At the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society in West Palm Beach, workers began moving smaller animals into facilities that doubled as hurricane shelters on Wednesday morning, said its communications director, Naki Carter.
The plans include preventive measures similar to those many humans take with their homes. Loose debris, signs, plants and tarps are taken down from around the zoo; staff members stock up on supplies for all of the animals and make their meals in advance; and generators are prepared in case of a power outage. "That was just us using what we had available". "We definitely have guidelines, but we leave it up to each facility to come up with their own plan because each one is unique".
In the mean time, the Palm Beach Zoo said on Facebook that it additionally will be staying put and keeping their creatures in their typical havens, yet additionally included that a few creatures would really be ideal if left alone amid the tempest as they would naturally search out the best sanctuary for themselves, without the worry of being bound or gathered together.
A number of animals are said to be at risk. Our sea otters were fine.
Other animal attractions have not been so lucky during recent storms. For one, water is heavy - but also, a fish's respiration and bodily functions greatly depend on the water it's already in. Speaking with the Miami Herald, Magill said the zoo is better still prepared this time.
With Hurricane Irma now barreling toward South Florida, employees at the zoo have been working nearly nonstop to make sure all the animals are safe, Magill says.
The stress of a new environment can be stressful to the point of being deadly, Magill says. The larger residents, particularly the carnivores and great apes, will bunker down in their usual indoor holding areas. "And fortunately, it's also strong enough to withstand the strength of a major hurricane". Since Hurricane Andrew blew away its walk-in freezers and fridges, Zoo Miami rented freezer and refrigerator trucks ahead of Hurricane Irma to keep food fresh.
Reillo said many zoos and centers don't have the space or expertise to evacuate animals that need special care, especially endangered species. Close to 100 of the zoo's birds died in Andrew, so Zoo Miami has strengthened the hurricane safety measures in all of its aviaries.
The director added that the zoo has about ten days of food on the ground for the smaller animals, having about a month's worth for the larger animals. The San Antonio Zoo stepped up to deliver supplies to zoos and aquariums in Houston and Victoria during Hurricane Harvey.
Zoo Miami has made it clear that it is not moving.
