Braving the Storm: ZooTampa's Animal Resilience During Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton threatens Florida's Gulf Coast, over 1,000 animals at ZooTampa are sheltered safely at the zoo. Despite being in an evacuation zone, the zoo has made extensive preparations to ensure animal safety. With resilient animals and dedicated staff, the zoo remains secure against the storm's impact.

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida's Gulf Coast, ZooTampa has become a fortress of safety for over 1,000 animals, including African elephants, Caribbean flamingos, and pygmy hippos. Despite being situated in a mandatory evacuation zone, the animals will ride out the storm on the zoo's extensive 70-acre property.

Tiffany Burns, senior director of animal programs, assured that the animals are well-prepared, with some inhabiting hurricane-hardened buildings and others like alligators remaining unfazed in their habitats. Challenges are met head-on with meticulous planning, involving extra provisions and special care for species like macaws and flamingos, ensuring their resilience through the storm.

Zookeepers, alongside veterinarians and maintenance staff, will stay with the animals, equipped with essential supplies and generators. Burns commends the animals for their astonishing resilience, emphasizing the zoo's commitment to minimizing stress and safeguarding these creatures against the potentially catastrophic impact of the storm.

(With inputs from agencies.)