TAMPA, Fla. — The National Weather Service deemed ZooTampa prepared to weather any severe storm that may come its way this summer.
The service recognized ZooTampa at Lowry Park “StormReady,” making the zoo the first in the state and fourth in the country to receive the designation on Wednesday, according to its news release.
“StormReady” is part of a voluntary program that “provides communities with clear-cut advice through a partnership between the local Weather Service Office, state and local emergency managers, and the media,” according to the release.
“Our number one priority is keeping our animals, team members and community safe,” ZooTampa’s Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer Michelle Coleman said in a statement. “With the help of the National Weather Service, our emergency weather preparedness has been taken to a new level as we enter hurricane season.”
The zoo will hold the designation for four years and will receive a certification and signs with the StormReady Community recognition from the National Weather Service, for all of its visitors to see.
While no community can be stormproof, a StormReady entity is better prepared for severe weather hazards through enhanced planning, warning dissemination, education, and awareness.