AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Nichole Robinson from the Amarillo Zoo joined Today in Amarillo Friday morning and showed off the zoo’s brand-new Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink.

Robinson also took some time to discuss weather-related closures for the Amarillo Zoo.

Snow/Winter Weather at the Amarillo Zoo:

Reasons for exhibit closures at the zoo:

  • If the forecasted high is 32 degrees or below
  • There are multiple fall risks due to ice/snow

Reasons limitations would be placed on certain exhibits:

  • If the temperature is between 32 degrees and 45 degrees, the following animals will not be allowed on exhibit:
    • Ring-Tailed Lemurs
    • Black-handed Spider Monkeys
    • Badger
  • If the temperature is between 35 degrees and 45 degrees, these animals can be on exhibit but may not be visible:
    • Pot Bellied Pig
    • Lion
    • Tiger
    • Bear
    • Bobcat
    • Kangaroo
  • During temps that are between 45 degrees and 60 degrees, these animals may be on exhibit but may not be visible:
    • Black-Tailed Spider Monkeys
    • Ringed-tailed Lemurs
    • Serval
  • These animals will not be on exhibit until certain temps are reached:
    • Macaws/Parrots: 70 degrees and above
    • Tortoises: 65 degrees and above during the winter season
      • Leopard Tortoises will be in the herp
      • Female Sulcata will be placed with the male in the house and the public should observe for any aggression.

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Severe Weather Closures:

Closures:

  • If a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued:
    • All animals will be moved to indoor holdings;
    • Admissions staff will close the gates to the zoo; and
    • Zoo guests will be shown areas of shelter.

High Wind Warning:

  • The zoo will close if there are high winds that are causing things to fall that may pose a threat to guests, keepers, or animals; and
  • In case of high winds, some animals may be confined to their indoor holding areas and may not be fully visible.

Heat Advisory:

  • The zoo will close if high temps are forecasted higher than 103 degrees; and
  • The zoo’s decision will be made 24 hours before they can notify the public.

Holidays:

The Amarillo Zoo will also be closed on the following holidays:

  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Eve – will close at three p.m.
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Day
  • Easter
  • Independence Day – will close at three p.m.

Find out more about the Amarillo Zoo here.

For the latest Amarillo news and regional updates, check with MyHighPlains.com and tune in to KAMR Local 4 News at 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 p.m. and Fox 14 News at 9:00 p.m. CST.