With a blast of arctic air holding Southeast Michigan in a deep freeze, officials at the Detroit Zoo have made the call to close today. According to CBS News Detroit, the zoo cited the well-being of visitors, staff, and its resident animals as prime reasons for the shuttering. The zoo leadership expects the gates to swing open again tomorrow, hoping for more temperate conditions.
The icy grip extending over the region isn't just keeping school kids home; it's shuttered one of the city's top attractions, too. Coupled with school closures, it's clear that this weather is not to be trifled with. The closing also affects the Belle Isle Nature Center, as reported by FOX 2 Detroit. Still, essential staff, including those involved in animal care, will brave the cold to ensure that the animals receive the appropriate care during the closure.
For those seeking refuge from the biting cold, it's worth noting the weather advisory details issued for the surrounding counties, including Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb. These advisories are slated to continue through tomorrow. Conditions are harsh, with daytime highs struggling and overnight temperatures plummeting to an apparent -20 degrees when accounting for wind chill, as mentioned in the FOX 2 Detroit forecast.
Meanwhile, those who had plans to visit the Detroit Zoo and find themselves with prepaid tickets need not fret. The Zoo has stated that while refunds are off the table, tickets remain valid for future visits. For the most recent updates, individuals are directed to the Zoo's and Nature Center's social media pages, particularly Facebook, where the latest information on reopening will be shared, as noted by Click On Detroit.
The Detroit Zoological Society will continue to monitor the weather to make informed decisions about the safe reopening of the facilities. In the meantime, the communities in Southeast Michigan are urged to heed the cold weather advisory and stay warm during this particularly chilly period.
