What Do Zoos And Aquariums Do In A Hurricane?

As category 5 hurricane Irma moves steadily closer to the southeast coast of United States, millions of people along the coast prepare for the worst. Many states are prepping for mass evacuations and homeowners are rushing to stock up on essentials and prepare their homes for the impending onslaught. As the storm approaches, zoos and aquariums must also prepare to face the hurricane, but they are additionally tasked with caring for hundreds of animals and seeing them safely through the storm. So how do zoos and aquariums prepare for and see through the hurricane?

The number one question I get before a storm is "where are you evacuating the animals to?". The answer? We're not evacuating any of them. In fact, most zoos and aquariums will never evacuate any animals in the face of a hurricane. On the surface, this may seem almost cruel, but there are many reasons that zoos choose not to relocate their collection. First and foremost is the issue of stress; catching animals, restraining them, transporting them to another facility for a short time (only to repeat the process coming back) is likely to be far more stressful for the animal than the storm itself. For many animals, that level of stress can be quite lethal, so for their own safety and comfort, they will remain in their home.

"That's probably the No. 1 question I get asked: 'Oh my God, when are you going to evacuate animals?' We are never going to evacuate animals." - Ron Magill, Zoo Miami communications director Source

There are other factors besides stress that have made that decision. How would we transport all the animals, potentially hundreds or thousands? Where are they going (most zoos don't have room for animals from another facility)? How will they be cared for? By who? How would they be kept separate from the other facility's animals (prevent cross contamination)? And how can you be sure that another facility is going to be any safer?

 In preparation for Hurricane Irma this week, Zoo Miami's plan is to stay put, too, says communications director Ron Magill. The reasoning, in part, is because the path of hurricanes can change quickly, and transporting an animal could actually mean moving it into more danger. Source

As the hurricane approaches, animals are moved into appropriate holding areas; smaller birds, mammals and reptiles may be housed in temporary kennels in main buildings, and larger animals bunker down in their normal indoor enclosures. These housing areas are built to withstand just about anything to keep animals and the public safe, and are generally secure places to wait out a hurricane.

"Those night houses are made of poured concrete, welded metal, to withstand the strength of the animal itself. And fortunately, it's also strong enough to withstand the strength of a major hurricane." -Magill Source

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, typically a very strict organization whose guidelines regulate animal facilities nationwide, actually has very few hurricane procedures, but this is by design. It allows facilities to prepare for these storms in the manner they deem best in order to care for their animal collection. As Murphy's Law states " anything that can go wrong, will go wrong" and zoos and aquariums must be able to adapt to changing conditions to protect animals, regardless of rules or procedures. 

 We don't necessarily say, 'Here's the plan, just insert your name here. We definitely have guidelines, but we leave it up to each facility to come up with their own plan because each one is unique." - Rob Vernon,  AZA spokesman Source

During Hurricane Georges in 1998, Zoo Miami had to house their flamingos in the men's restroom to protect them from the storm (they have actually done this repeatedly with great success). 

A team of keepers, a "ride out crew", will remain behind to, as the name implies, ride out the storm. Even if the city orders a mandatory evacuation, this team will hunker down at the facility to keep things running smoothly (animals don't care about weather, they just want to eat!). A maintenance technician will keep the generators running and assist with keeping major pumps and aquatic systems operational, while keepers will prepare food and administer the normal daily care. Regardless of the weather outside, the facility is kept relatively operational (hurricanes, blizzards or even just holidays).

These teams are essential during disasters; when something goes wrong, the team on hand can leap into action to mitigate damage and prevent loss of life. Our own facility was flooded during a storm in 2013 (not even a hurricane, just a summer storm), and water rushed into the museum (we had flood gates installed and the water actually rose OVER the gates, pictured below). Dozens of pumps were fried and shut down compromising aquatic systems, but thanks to the actions of keepers, not a single animal was lost as a result. Repair and reconstruction efforts took over 6 months, but in the end every animal made it through the storm okay!

This was probably my most eventful work day ever!

With Irma bearing down on us there is a lot to worry about, but thanks to dedicated keepers, animals at your local zoo or aquarium will be well taken care of. It will be a rough ride, but they will still be here, happy and healthy, when the clouds part again. So take comfort in knowing your favorite animals are safe, and do what you can to keep yourself and your own family safe as well!

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Article Link: http://www.npr.org/