Updated 08/29/2017.

The Association for Zoos and Aquariums sent out these updates from fellow Zoos and Aquariums in regard to Hurricane Harvey in Texas:

The International Crane Foundation’s Texas fieldwork is based out of Rockport, TX, where the eye of Category 4 Hurricane Harvey made landfall Aug. 26, 2017.

• The International Crane Foundation’s Texas Whooping Crane Program office, in Rockport, TX, was destroyed completely. All field staff evacuated safely, and ICF continues to assess the extent of the damage to offices and field equipment.
• Landry’s Houston Aquarium has experienced flooding and is receiving assistance from San Antonio Zoo.  A San Antonio Zoo board member has provided a helicopter, and the first loads of supplies and equipment were delivered today.
• Houston Zoo, thankfully, has reported minimal damage from the hurricane, to this point. All animals are safe and under staff care. The zoo is experiencing some flooding, access to the zoo is severely limited due to surrounding flooding, and unfortunately, many zoo employees have lost homes and belongings.
• The Moody Gardens Rainforest & Aquarium experienced high tides and lots of rain Monday night and sustained minor damage. All animals are reported safe. Many employees have suffered losses. The facility is compiling a list of employee needs and damage.
• Texas State Aquarium reopened on Monday afternoon and resumed normal hours of operation. All animals are doing well and are under staff care. Although the aquarium’s main campus is without power, all exhibits remain fully operational due to significant on-site emergency power.

The AZA recommends:

•  If you have or know of ANY unmet needs, are potentially able to help with equipment or service, or have already assisted a facility and have details that should be communicated to the TAHC, please call the TAHC’s Animal Response Operation Coordination Center (AROCC) hotline:  (512)-719-0799. 
• Information, questions, and concerns can also be sent to ZAHP Fusion Center staff:  Ashley Zielinski ([email protected]) and Steve Olson ([email protected]).  These members of our staff will coordinate to prevent duplication of efforts, wasted resources, etc.  This will make sure we get pertinent information to TAHC task force.

One location (ICF) has set up a way to donate on their website, and others have gone online to assure everyone they are okay. Our thoughts are with these groups and all affected by Hurricane Harvey. You too can stay in the AZA loop for any updates by following their Twitter: @zoos_aquariums

Thank you.