In the face of increasing hurricanes, zoos and aquariums across the U.S. are ramping up their efforts to protect their animals from the destructive forces of nature. From harbouring flamingos in bathrooms to moving koalas to safety, these facilities are developing sophisticated storm response plans as they prepare for more extreme weather events, largely driven by climate change.
Florida Clearwater Marine Aquarium: A Ride-Out Team’s Experience
On 26 September, as Hurricane Helene battered Florida, Kelly Martin, vice president of zoological care at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, was optimistic the storm wouldn’t cause significant damage. But by 9:00 pm, the aquarium was flooded with four feet of saltwater. “I try to project calmness, but internally, this was one of the scariest events I’ve gone through,” said Martin.
Despite the power cut and rising floodwaters, Martin and her team worked tirelessly to secure the animals in their tanks, moving those that could be relocated to higher ground. Eventually, the team retreated to the fourth floor to wait out the storm. When the waters subsided in the early hours, Martin began assessing the damage to tanks and exhibits. “It was a sombre walk,” she recalls.
While essential equipment such as veterinary tools and water pumps were destroyed, all the animals survived. However, seven sea turtles and two manatees were quickly relocated with the help of law enforcement to other facilities for their safety.
Florida’s Zoo and Aquarium Network Gears Up for Hurricane Milton
With Hurricane Helene still fresh in memory, Florida’s zoos and aquariums are now preparing for the next storm – Hurricane Milton. The Florida Aquarium, for instance, has relocated penguins, moon jellies, snakes, and even a hermit crab to safer ground. The situation highlights the growing frequency of hurricanes and the strain they place on these facilities.
The Rise of Extreme Weather and the Need for Preparedness
As hurricanes grow more intense due to climate change, zoos and aquariums must refine their contingency plans each year. Facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) are required to conduct at least four emergency drills annually, simulating responses to fires, tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes, depending on the region. Dan Ashe, president of AZA, underscores the importance of staff training, ensuring they’re prepared to handle any disaster.
At Palm Beach Zoo in Florida, zookeepers regularly train flamingos to follow them into hurricane shelters. Similarly, they have drills for animals like howler monkeys, who are taught to lock themselves into crates for easy evacuation, and Sassy the panther, who responds to a bell, retreating to her safe space.
“We make it into a game for the animals,” said Mike Terrell, Palm Beach Zoo’s curator of animal experiences. “The idea is to remove the stress when the real emergency happens.”
The Impact of Past Hurricanes
The lessons learned from previous hurricanes are guiding zoos today. Hurricane Katrina in 2005, one of the most devastating storms, claimed the lives of nearly all the animals at New Orleans’ Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Without power or backup generators, more than 10,000 animals, including sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays, perished.
Zoo Miami faced a similar crisis during Hurricane Andrew in 1992 when high winds ravaged the zoo, killing over 100 birds and five mammals. A trailer flung by the winds damaged the enclosure of a black rhino named Toshi. In an extraordinary move, the zoo sheltered flamingos in a men’s bathroom, a decision that likely saved their lives.
Innovative Responses: Zoos Taking Action
Many zoos are now focusing on resilience. After Hurricane Ike in 2008, which caused $50 million worth of damage to Moody Gardens Zoo in Texas, waterproof doors and seals were installed to prevent future floods. In emergencies, human buildings like bathrooms, offices, and hallways are repurposed to house animals.
Tiffany Burns, associate curator at Zoo Tampa, emphasised the need for creative solutions: “Any building is an option. Nothing is out of the question.”
Collaboration and Assistance: The Role of Networks
Cooperation between zoos has become essential during such crises. The Zoo Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) network, consisting of 175 facilities, provides critical support during disasters. Through ZDR3, zoos can share facilities and resources, ensuring animals are cared for when their home zoo is compromised. For example, Zoo Tampa helped Clearwater Marine Aquarium transport their two manatees, Yeti and Zamboni, after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage.
Burns, also president of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership, explained how their team rescued stranded manatees, including one from Hernando Beach, in the aftermath of the storm.
Preparing for an Uncertain Future
Zoos and aquariums are bracing for what could be an increasingly uncertain future. With extreme storms becoming more frequent, animal facilities must continue refining their disaster response plans, ensuring the safety of their residents while also rebuilding and fortifying their structures. Martin’s team, still recovering from Hurricane Helene, is already preparing for the next wave of challenges.
As she reflects on the damage caused and the work ahead, Martin remains focused on the future: “There’s plenty of manatees, unfortunately, that need homes and care.”
The need for resilience has never been greater as zoos and aquariums navigate the growing threat of climate-induced storms, all while continuing to care for the most vulnerable creatures in their charge.
