ATLANTA — Cold temperatures impact everyone, including the animals at Zoo Atlanta. Due to the frigid temperatures expected in the area over the weekend, Zoo Atlanta will be closed to the public on Saturday, Jan. 20.
Zoo officials say although the zoo will be closed, animal care will still be in place.
"The safety, well-being, and comfort of the animals are the Zoo’s number-one priorities. Zoo Atlanta has protocols in place year-round for a variety of extreme temperatures and weather events, including unseasonable cold," Zoo Atlanta said in a statement. "Preparations for unusual temperatures happen in advance, and efforts are already in place to ensure the comfort and safety of every animal in the population. Each species housed at Zoo Atlanta has its own temperature guidelines dependent upon its native region of origin, and as such, these guidelines vary across animal areas."
The Zoo said cold weather accommodations include moving animals indoors, providing access to supplemental heat and nesting or burrowing materials depending on the needs of each species.
If you've got plans to visit the zoo on Sunday, Jan. 21, check their website for updated opening times.
Temperatures will be below freezing for most of Saturday, with wind chills in the teens. Stay up to date with the forecast from the 11Alive StormTrackers here.