ZooTampa, Aquariums, Museums Close Ahead Of Hurricane Ian

TAMPA BAY, FL — As Florida prepares for potential impacts from Hurricane Ian, Tampa Bay attractions and museums have announced they will close to allow employees to wait out the storm with their families.

After making sure all the animals are sheltered from the storm, ZooTampa will be closed through Thursday. Zoo officials said they've activated the zoo's severe weather preparedness plan. A skeleton crew of animal care professionals and veterinary staff will remain at the zoo to care for the animals throughout the hurricane, zoo officials said.

“The Zoo is continually monitoring the weather and will take all precautions as conditions warrant, prioritizing the well-being of the animals entrusted to our care and our team,” zoo officials said in a news release.

The elephants, giraffes and other large animals have been moved into night houses, built to withstand major storms. The smaller animals and birds will weather the storm in ancillary buildings. The Zoo will also implement a storm ride-out team of
For updates on zoo hours and operations, visitors are encouraged to check the website and social media channels.

In addition to the zoo in general, the membership night for the zoo's seasonal Creatures of the Night event has been postponed.

The Florida Aquarium and its administrative offices will be closed until further notice. A small group of animal care personnel will remain to ensure the safety of the animals, aquarium officials said.

“Our first priority is safety,” said Chief Operating Officer Andrew Wood. “We have secured the facility and taken all precautions to ensure the safety of our staff and animals.” at and across social media channels.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is also closed through Thursday.

“Preparations are underway to protect the health and safety of our animals and the staff on site,” aquarium officials said.

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts will be closed through Friday. Performances of the Straz-produced “Avenue Q,” Opera Tampa’s “Spanish Nights” and Jobsite Theater’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” have been canceled. Weather permitting, shows will resume Saturday.

Also postponed is the first SoHo Artwalk scheduled for Saturday. Organizers say it will be rescheduled.

The Tampa Bay Boat Show scheduled to take place Friday through Sunday at the Florida State Fairgrounds has been postponed.

Scream-A-Geddon in Dade City is closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Tampa Museum of Art will be closed until Friday.

The Glazer Children's Museum is closed "until it's safe to reopen."

The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art in Tarpon Springs is closed through Friday.

The USF Contemporary Art Museum is closed until further notice. Additionally, Matthew Mazzotta Artist's Talk was postponed.

If you know of other event cancellations or closures, email dann.white@patch.com.