By Wealthy McKay
(Reuters) – As hundreds of thousands of individuals evacuated Florida’s Gulf Coast, the African elephants, Caribbean flamingos, pigmy hippos and about 1,000 different animals are using out the monstrous Hurricane Milton at Tampa’s zoo.
For most of the animals, the storm will imply they’ve to surrender the creature comforts of their on a regular basis lodging however they won’t have to go away ZooTampa’s 70-acre (28-hectare) property, regardless that it’s in a compulsory evacuation zone, mentioned Tiffany Burns, senior director of its animal applications.
Some critters should share shuttered barns or wait out the tough climate in crates tucked all through a dozen hurricane-hardened buildings on the zoo.
Just a few will keep of their habitats. The alligators will largely simply snooze on the backside of their ponds, unfazed by Milton’s fury.
“Nothing bothers them,” Burns mentioned, at the same time as Hurricane Milton is described by forecasters as a catastrophic and probably lethal storm.
She mentioned there was no have to put animals in trailers and haul them to different zoos or sanctuaries.
“We’re in Florida,” Burns mentioned. “We know hurricanes. It’s just a matter of watching what degree we’re dealing with and responding to that.”
The zoo sustained no injury when Hurricane Helene bumped alongside Florida’s Gulf Coast about two weeks in the past, she mentioned. However Burns mentioned to her data the zoo has by no means had a direct hit because it was began within the Thirties.
Forecasters say Milton might cruise straight up Tampa Bay, only a few miles (km) from the zoo at Lowry Park, simply north of downtown Tampa.
Zookeepers completed corralling all of the animals on Tuesday, she mentioned. The Caribbean flamingos wanted additional care, being herded right into a canvas chute to information them right into a trailer after which carried in teams to a barn.
Elephants and giraffes got additional hay and water in case their barns get blocked off by particles.
The dozen zoo keepers using out the storm with their furry and feathered costs embrace a veterinarian and upkeep staff.
The zoo is provided with turbines and gas, together with additional meals and provides for all of the critters, in case the zoo is reduce off.
Every species reacts otherwise to large storms, Burns mentioned. Its flock of macaws – a kind of long-tailed parrots – can get agitated and wish additional branches to chew and shred, she mentioned. They’re additionally put in a safe room the place they’re free to fly round and perch.
A few of the orangutans will conceal beneath blankets, whereas some would possibly play as traditional, she mentioned. Child animals will really feel secure subsequent to their moms. The owls and armadillos love the crates throughout storms, giving them a safe feeling of hiding in a cave.
“Our animals are absolutely resilient,” Burns mentioned. “Over the years they continue to amaze us. And our teams are great about identifying animals that need extra care.”
“We really try to minimize their stress,” she mentioned.
