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 / Modified jun 19, 2017 10:28 a.m.

Reid Park Zoo Closing Early This Week Due To Soaring Temperatures

The zoo wants to focus on caring for the animals throughout high-heat days, to resume normal hours Saturday.

lion cubs yawn hero image Lion cubs at the Reid Park Zoo yawn while resting in the shade.
Andrea Kelly, AZPM

The Reid Park Zoo announced it would be closing its doors at noon for the rest of the week starting Monday due to extreme temperatures predicted in the Tucson area.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for Tucson through Saturday, when the zoo expects to resume the normal hours of 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

In a press release, the zoo said the animals there are adapted to the desert climate and have appropriate facilities to stay cool, but will close early so the staff can focus on caring for the animals, among them several elderly residents.

A high temperature of 114 was predicted for Monday, and 115 on Tuesday, according to the Weather Service.

MORE: Animals, News, Weather, Reid Park Zoo
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