ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Wildfire smoke has forced the closure of several Rochester parks, Durand Eastman Beach and even the Seneca Park Zoo today.
News10NBC’s Tom Kowalski spoke with zoo leaders about how they’re protecting animals from the poor air quality. David Hamilton, general curator at the Seneca Park Zoo, has worked there for more than 20 years but said smoky days like this have been rare until recently.
“The keepers are always keeping a close eye on the animals, making sure that they’re all doing well. If there was anything going on, they would report that to animal health,” Hamilton said. “Animal health and I are always talking to each other just to make sure that everybody’s doing well.”
Hamilton says zookeepers are taking breaks and staying inside when possible. Most animals have the choice between going inside and outside in their enclosures. But some animals, like the penguins, were moved inside their holding areas away from public viewing and the poor air quality.
“Birds are more susceptible to the particulates in the air than other animals, or mammals like us,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said older animals were also kept inside, similar to how senior people should avoid the smoke. A snowy owl and an older snow leopard were among those kept indoors.
“It’s a nice, quiet afternoon here. Everybody seems to be pretty much calm and just taking the day quietly,” Hamilton said.
The Seneca Park Zoo will reopen as soon as the air quality improves. Visitors can check the zoo’s website or social media for updates.
The post Seneca Park Zoo closed today to protect animals and staff from wildfire smoke – here’s how keepers are keeping everyone safe appeared first on WHEC.com.
