A Florida Zoo Takes Action To Protect Animals From Hurricane Milton

In a remarkable display of proactive care, ZooTampa is evacuating its animals to safety in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to be the first hurricane to hit Tampa directly in over a century. As a powerful Category 5 hurricane approaches, the dedicated staff at the zoo have swung into action, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the 1,300 animals in their care. The rescue mission involves moving various species, including endangered African elephants, orangutans, and rhinos, to specially designed weatherproof shelters.

The zoo has closed its doors to the public as staff work tirelessly to ensure that all animals are safely relocated before the storm wreaks havoc. A porcupine named Chompers was among the first to be moved, lured into a carrier as keepers expertly guided other animals to safety. The urgency of their actions reflects the zoo's comprehensive severe weather plan, developed to protect both the animals and staff.

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast, the zoo remains focused on minimizing stress for its animal inhabitants. This commitment to care was echoed by Tiffany Burns, the zoo's director, who emphasized the importance of maintaining the animals' routines as much as possible during this challenging time. With the storm predicted to make landfall soon, ZooTampa's dedicated team continues its critical mission to safeguard wildlife.