UPDATE: 11:38 A.M.
PEORIA, Ill. – The Peoria Zoo will stay closed for Wednesday as poor air quality conditions continue across central Illinois.
The zoo closed early Tuesday afternoon, as animals were brought inside as a precaution.
Zoo Director Yvonne Strode says they did not see improving conditions.
“We’re still seeing that red-purple zone and aren’t supposed to be out of it. So we just made a decision to keep the animals in where the air quality is filtered in a lot of cases and we can control it,” Strode said.
Strode says while none of the animals at the zoo have respiratory problems, the decision to keep them inside was a precautionary measure.
She says it was a tough decision to keep the zoo closed and visitors away from the animals.
“That’s why we exist, you know, for people to come here and do this. But to do that, the safety and welfare of the animals has to always come first. The public is so great in understanding that,” Strode said.
Zoo leaders will meet Wednesday afternoon to decide on reopening for Thursday.
Air quality alerts continue over central Illinois through Wednesday evening.
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PEORIA, Ill. –Smoke from the Canadian wildfires has most of Illinois under its cloud, with Chicago experiencing the worst air quality on Tuesday. .
Doctors like Dr. Nadeem Ahmed, a pulmonologist from OSF HealthCare in Alton, said the smoke can cause lung irritation, tearing of the eyes, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Ahmed told 25 News, patients with sensitive lungs, like those with asthma, auto-immune diseases, COPD, or young children should limit their time outside.
Ahmed even suggests picking up face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic to filter the air out, saying the masks might add a layer of protection.
He also suggests setting the car air conditioners to re-circulate the air in the vehicle, instead of pulling the poor-quality air in.
The Peoria Zoo was nearly empty on Tuesday afternoon. Around 3 p.m., animals and zookeepers alike were pulled indoors away from the smoke.
“They are saying that we should not be outside, so why should the animals be outside,” Zoo Director Yvonne Strode said. Rhinos, emus, and other animals were taken in, as well as a 500 lb tortoise.
The Zoo will remain closed on Wednesday due to poor air conditions.
A number of local events were canceled Tuesday, including Cornstock Theater’s evening performance.
Officials said ticket holders will be able to exchange tickets for another night or get a refund if necessary.
