Two local zoos are adjusting their summer operating hours to lessen the impact of intense summer heat on both man and beast.
In a Facebook post on July 8, the Dallas Zoo said, “Our summer hours are back starting TODAY! Now through August 30, the Zoo will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help our animals, guests, and staff avoid the heat of our summer days.”
The latest time guests can purchase tickets to the Dallas Zoo is 1 p.m., WFAA reported.
Similarly, the Fort Worth Zoo is also taking precautions by adjusting its hours through August 30.
“Summer hours are here! Beginning today, July 8, the Zoo will open one hour earlier, at 9 a.m.,” according to a Facebook post by the Fort Worth Zoo. “The Zoo will close one hour earlier at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.”
Additionally, the Fort Worth Zoo mentioned some of the measures it has taken to help visiting guests beat the heat.
“While you’re here, take advantage of misters and fans throughout the park and remember our indoor, air-conditioned habitats like the Museum of Living Art, Bait Shack and the all-new Mountains & Desert in Texas Wild,” the Zoo said. “You can also bring in your own drinks and water bottles.”
Fox 4 KDFW reported that guests will have access to cooling stations and water bottle refill spots scattered throughout the zoo’s property.
Despite the cooler temperatures in the metroplex during the first half of the week, forecasters are expecting the Texas heat to make its return later this week, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.