The San Antonio Zoo has made the executive decision to close today due to an anticipated inclement weather event. According to KSAT, the closure is a response to the cold and rainy weather forecast for the area.
Further reporting by MySA indicates that the zoo's staff have been actively preparing to ensure the animals' safety and comfort. "Due to inclement weather San Antonio Zoo and Zoo Train will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Starbucks will remain open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All animals are safe, warm, and healthy thanks to the incredible work of our Zoo Crew," the zoo affirmed in a Facebook post. The meticulous planning includes stocking up on necessary supplies such as hay and additional bedding, verifying the functionality of heaters, and assembling potential rideout teams to properly manage continuous animal care in the event that road conditions deteriorate to a point where travel becomes hazardous.
Rachel Malstaff, the zoo's director of mammal, voiced the importance of early and comprehensive preparedness in an interview with MySA, stating, "You can't be overly prepared." She further highlighted "We are having the conversations early and making sure we have plenty of backup generators, extra heaters, extra bedding. I think it's very important to be overly prepared and have the conversations early. I think that's kind of been the lessons learned from the past winter events." Malstaff emphasized the insightful lessons the zoo has learned from past winter events, underlining the significance of being proactively equipped for such situations. The rideout teams are mentioned to likely spend the night at the zoo, to guarantee that there's no interruption to the care of the animals.
Meanwhile, KSAT reports that San Antonio residents can expect the arrival of the colder weather to begin later today. Precipitation is anticipated to first hit the Hill Country, and while temperatures are not forecasted to drop to freezing levels, the approach of the storm system may bring cold enough conditions to potentially lower them to that point. San Antonians should brace to endure a cold rain throughout today, with predictions of the city's temperatures lingering in the mid-30s. The wet conditions are expected to persist until close to midnight before clearing up as Friday morning approaches. By the end of this weather event, the city could see upwards to an inch of rainfall.
