Riding Out Milton: ZooTampa's Animal Hurricane Strategy

With Hurricane Milton approaching, ZooTampa's animals, including elephants and flamingos, will remain on-site despite evacuation orders for Florida's Gulf Coast. Zookeepers have taken measures to safeguard the animals, providing secure shelters, extra supplies, and maintaining routines to reduce stress, demonstrating resilience and thorough preparation.

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida's Gulf Coast, ZooTampa is preparing to keep its animals safe despite regional evacuation orders. Thousands of creatures, from African elephants to Caribbean flamingos, will endure the storm within the 70-acre property, avoiding the need for off-site evacuations.

According to Tiffany Burns, the zoo's senior director of animal programs, certain species will be housed in reinforced barns or crates, while some will remain in their familiar habitats. Alligators at the zoo are expected to sleep through the tumultuous weather, unaffected by the storm's intensity.

The zoo has equipped itself with generators, fuel, and additional supplies, ensuring the well-being of the animals and caretakers who opted to stay. The zoo's crew has expertly identified the specific needs of each species, aiming to minimize stress and keep the animals safe during the swirling chaos of Hurricane Milton.

(With inputs from agencies.)