The Little Rock Zoo will be closed for a week starting Sunday, July 26, due to the extreme heat in Arkansas. This decision was made as a precaution to protect both guests and staff from heat-related illnesses. Last weekend, over 9,000 people visited the zoo for Dollar Day, and 12 people suffered from heat-related illnesses despite temperatures only being in the 90s.
Zoo Precautions
Zoo director Susan Altrui stated that individuals tend to underestimate the severity of this type of heat, and the zoo has seen cases of heat illnesses among visitors. To mitigate this, the zoo will remain fully staffed to care for the animals during the closure. The animals will be kept cool with the help of misters, ice treats, and careful monitoring by the staff.
The zoo’s staff will also be taken care of during this time, with perks such as ice treats and watermelon, as part of Keeper Appreciation Week. Altrui noted that it has been about two years since the zoo last closed for several days due to heat, making this closure somewhat unusual.
The temporary closure will have a financial impact on the zoo, as it is a non-profit organization. The zoo will monitor the situation and decide whether the closure needs to be extended.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
