The Calgary Zoo was ordered to evacuate and the two bridges leading to St. Georges Island were closed.
Animals from the island and the low-lying areas of the Canadian Wilds exhibit were moved to other, higher parts of the zoo – including all carnivores and all 12 big cats.
Two pot-bellied pigs were moved off site to the city’s animal shelter and two zebras were relocated to the Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre south of the city, all other animals remain secure at the zoo.
Zoo officials say they have a contingency plan in place if flooding requires them to move the zoo’s exotic cats offsite. If necessary, the large cats will be transferred to cells at the Calgary Courts Centre.
The Calgary Zoo will remain closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They expect to update on Sunday afternoon whether the zoo will open on Monday.
