TAMPA, Fla. — The animals of Tampa Bay's zoos and aquariums are hunkering down ahead of Hurricane Helene's impact.
The zoo at Busch Gardens, ZooTampa at Lowry Park and The Florida Aquarium downtown all announcing that they will close Thursday as Florida's Gulf coast braces for the storm.
"After reviewing the latest route of Hurricane Helene and to ensure the safety of our ambassadors, guests and animals, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed on Thurs.," Busch Gardens staff said Wednesday.
Animals at Tampa Zoo and Animal Habitats will be looked after by veterinarians and other animal experts, according to the statement from Busch Gardens. All animals will be moved to stormproof buildings ahead of Thursday's closure and stay there during the storm.
"Veterinarians ... will remain onsite 24/7 to monitor the animals, safely housed in buildings designed to withstand category five hurricanes," Busch Gardens staff said Wednesday. "Once weather conditions improve, our recovery team will ensure the habitats are safe for the animals to return."
ZooTampa at Lowry Park also has hurricane precautions in place for its animals. In May, ZooTampa was recognized as, "Storm Ready" by the National Weather Service; the fourth zoo in the United States to receive that designation.
"Moving larger animals into their night houses, which are built to withstand major storms," ZooTampa staff said Wednesday. "And smaller mammals and birds into ancillary buildings."
ZooTampa is closed on Thursday, according to its website. However, park officials said they plan on reopening Friday.
"We are currently planning to resume normal park operations on Friday (including the Creatures of the Night member preview event)," ZooTampa said Wednesday. "Following a thorough assessment of the entire zoo."
In Downtown Tampa, The Florida Aquarium officials said they have been working to stormproof its campus ahead of its closure Thursday.
"Ensuring all animals have adequate food, oxygen and medical supplies, preparing meals and moving some animals to temporary habitats on higher levels of the aquarium," The Florida Aquarium said Wednesday. "During the storm, a dedicated team of around two dozen engineers and animal care staff will remain at the aquarium."
The Florida Aquarium's conservation campus in Apollo Beach, which houses its Sea Turtle center, will also take precautions ahead of Helene's impact, according to aquarium staff.
Like ZooTampa, The Florida Aquarium has also received a StormReady certification from the NWS.
The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and storm surge warnings for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay area. Read the latest on Hurricane Helene and its trajectory here.
We will continue to provide the latest information through your 10 Tampa Bay hurricane headquarters.
